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Welcome to all, near and far. Today, we are going to delve into the world of charity – a concept ingrained deeply within Jewish teachings, and a practice that is an integral part of our daily lives.
According to the Rambam, giving charity isn't just a nice thing to do – it's a commandment, a mitzvah. But what sets the act of charity apart in Judaism is the ladder of charitable giving that the Rambam suggests. This ladder has eight rungs, each representing a different level of charitable giving.
The highest level? Giving to someone in need in such a way that they no longer need to rely on others – essentially, giving someone the means to become self-sufficient. This might be by giving them a job, loaning them money to start a business, or even by investing in their business.
For the Rambam, the goal of charity isn't just to alleviate immediate suffering, but to eliminate the need for charity altogether. This powerful idea teaches us that in our everyday interactions, we should strive not just to give, but to empower.
In this light, let's approach our acts of charity with a renewed perspective. Let's strive to lift others up, so they too, can stand on their own two feet.
This podcast was produced and sponsored by Daniel Aharonoff.