The original Jeudeo language of scripture and religious thought was Hebrew. In Hebrew there is a term or concept known as “tzedakah”. This is a word which does not translate into other languages well. It signifies not only love; but the acts, the justice, and the mercy which flow from one who seeks to follow God.

The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, and Rambam organized them into a list. The levels of charity, from the least meritorious to the most meritorious, are:

1. Giving begrudgingly.

2. Giving less that you should, but giving it cheerfully.

3. Giving after being asked.

4. Giving before being asked.

5. Giving when you do not know the recipient’s identity, but the recipient knows your identity.

6. Giving when you know the recipient’s identity, but the recipient doesn’t know your identity.

7. Giving when neither party knows the other’s identity.

8. Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant.

While these are interesting concepts to ponder—the author feels that the true meaning of tzedakah was lost to the Jews. Only one who understands Christ, and his atonement, can truly understand charity—or what tzedakah should, perhaps, have been understood to be.

Only by witnessing, understanding, and then receiving Christ’s love, selfless acts, justice, and mercy can we truly have charity. The eight “levels” of tzedakah, while an interesting progression are still caught in the “acting charitable” stage and one who does not move beyond the “acting charitable” state (or stages) into the “having” charity stage will never be worthy to stand at the right hand of God.