Elder Renlund’s GC talk and the Golden Ladder of Charity

[Anonymous]

There was some negative reaction to Elder Renlund’s talk. I wish he had found a way to express his ideas without using the word, “entitled,” but I just came upon Maimonides’ “Golden Ladder of Charity,” that describes distances and connectedness of givers and receivers. An actual relationship is the highest, most desirable rung of the ladder.

(I edited out a lot of citations and info. about the translation.)

Quote:

Eight Degrees of Charity –

Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Gifts of [that belong to] the Poor

We are required to take more care about the mitzva [“command”] of tzedaka [Tzedaka, unlike “charity” (from Gk. karitas, “love”), is the Jewish legal requirement to do rightly with your fellow person — that is, to support him when he is in need.(Deut. 15:7-] than for any other positive mitzva. For the mitzva of tzedaka is the sign of the righteous descendents of Abraham our father, as “[God] has made known to him [Abraham], so that he shall command his sons to do tzedaka.” {Genesis XVIII:19} The throne of Israel is not established, nor does true faith stand except through tzedaka), for “through tzedaka will I [God] be established.” {Isaiah LIV:14} And Israel will not be redeemed except through tzedaka, for “Zion will be ransomed through judgment and returned through tzedaka.” Isaiah I:27

There are eight levels of tzedaka, each greater than the next.

The greatest level, above which there is no other, is to strengthen the name of another Jew by giving him a present or loan, or making a partnership with him, or finding him a job in order to strengthen his hand until he needs no longer [beg from] people. For it is said, “You shall strengthen the stranger and the dweller in your midst and live with him,” {Leviticus XXV:35} that is to say, strengthen him until he needs no longer fall [upon the mercy of the community] or be in need.

Below this is the one who gives tzedaka to the poor, but does not know to whom he gives, nor does the recipient know his benefactor. For this is performing a mitzva for the sake of Heaven. This is like the Secret [Anonymous] Office in the Temple. There the righteous gave secretly, and the good poor drew sustenance anonymously. This is much like giving tzedaka through a tzedaka box. One should not put into the box unless he knows that the one responsible for the box is faithful and wise and a proper leader.

Below this is one who knows to whom he gives, but the recipient does not know his benefactor. The greatest sages used to walk about in secret and put coins into the doors of the poor. It is worthy and truly good to do this if those who are responsible for collecting tzedaka are not trustworthy.

Below this is one who does not know to whom he gives, but the poor person does know his benefactor. The greatest sages used to pack coins into their scarves and roll them up over their backs, and the poor would come and pick [the coins out of the scarves] so that they would not be ashamed.

Below this is one who gives to the poor person before being asked.

Below this is one who gives to the poor person after being asked.

Below this is one who gives to the poor person gladly and with a smile.

Below this is one who gives to the poor person unwillingly.

At first I thought there were typos at the bottom of the list, but the second rung up is giving done “with a smile,” but that is inadequate, inaccurate, disproportionate, or somehow not quite what is needed.

On the other hand, all of these are still charity.

Our stake is helping a non-LDS charity resettle a huge refugee family starting this week, and this has been on my mind.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for posting this. Jewish friends often talk of tzedaka, but I had read the Eight Degrees of Charity before.

I became a little over-focused on:

Quote:

One should not put into the box unless he knows that the one responsible for the box is faithful and wise and a proper leader.

Keeping my Tzedaka out of the box and giving directly feels so efficient. Giving directly and anonymously often feels right and correct.

[Anonymous]

Ann this was beautiful. One of the reasons I love my calling and would be happy to have it for the rest of my life is the Golden Ladder aspect. I actually try to look for opportunities to get each person closer to each other. The first Bishop who called me to the calling wanted us to be as up close as possible. It makes a difference. I am keeping your Ladder explanation with me.

[Author]

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