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THE GOLDEN LADDER OF CHARITY
There are 8 degrees or steps, says Maimonides in the duty of charity........
The 1st and lowest degree is to give-but with reluctance
or regret, this is the gift of the hand but not of the heart.
The 2nd is to give cheerfully, but not proportionately to the distress of the sufferer.
The 3d is to give cheerfully and proportionately, but not until we are solicited
The 4th is to give cheerfully, proportionately, and even unsolicited.
The 5th is to give charity in such a way that the distressed may receive the bounty and know their benefactor, without their being known to him.
The 6th rises still higher, is to know the objects of our bounty, but ramming unknown to them.
The 7th is still more meritorious, namely, to bestow charity in such a way that the benefactor may not know the relieved persons, nor they the name of the benefactor.
The 8th and more meritorious of all, is to anticipate charity by preventing poverty; namely to
assist, the reduced brother, either by a considerable gift, or a loan of money, or by teaching him a trade, or by putting him in a way of business, so that he may earn an honest
livelihood; and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding up his hand for charity. And to this scripture alludes when he says.
"
and if thy brother be waxen poor and fallen in decay with thee, then thou shall support him: Yea though he be a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with thee".
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This is a time of transition and cleansing of the planet…an opportunity for us
to grow. By helping others in pain we help relieve our own pains. “Today for you, Tomorrow for me...”
