Maimonides, a famous twelfth century rabbi, physician, philosopher, and scholar, was born in Cordoba, Spain. He is also known as Rambam. His writing stated that there is no more important idea than learning how to give with compassion and common sense. A chief contribution of this scholar was an eight rung ladder of giving still used widely today and known as Rambam's Ladder.
This Jewish philosopher spoke of eight levels of tzedakah , which translates roughly as " charity" or "justice." Each rung represents a higher level of virtue.
Giving begrudgingly and making the recipient feel disgraced
or embarrassed
Giving cheerfully but giving too little
Giving cheerfully and adequately but only after being asked
Giving before being asked
Giving when you do not know who is benefiting, but the recipient knows your
identity
Giving when you know who is benefiting, and the recipient does not know your
identity
Giving when neither the donor nor the recipient is aware of the other's identity
Giving money, a loan, your time, or whatever else it takes to enable someone
to be, self reliant
May God continue to raise us up the ladder.
