During this time of illness, tension and uncertainty, we must do our best self care so that we can function as fully as possible. It is also our divine obligation to be charitable to others. In a religious service I attended this morning various levels of charity were reviewed and bear repeating. The following, then, is not original; There is no way that I can enhance or enrich the lessons of Maimonides so, at this catastrophic time, I borrow and repeat them toward the goal of enriching us all. I will review 7 levels of charity - each greater than the next.
1. Giving when you really don't want to do so.
2. Giving inadequately but gladly and with a smile.
3. Giving to a poor person after being asked.
4. Giving to a poor person directly , but giving before being asked.
5. Giving when you don't know to whom you are giving, but the poor person knows the giver.
6. Giving when you know to whom you give, but, the recipient does not know that you are the benefactor.
7. Giving to the poor without knowing to whom you are giving, and without the recipient knowing from whom he received. You give in secret and the poor profits in secret.
Do keep in mind that giving does not have to involve money. It may involve time, attention, non material nurturing or helping to find employment for someone to reduce dependence on others.
"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."
Winston Churchill