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Eight Degrees of Charity

There are eight degrees of charity, one higher than the other:

1. The highest degree is to aid a man who is in danger of losing his financial independence by offering him a gift or a loan, by entering into partnership with him, or by providing work for him, so that he may remain self supporting.

2. The next highest degree is where the one who gives and the one who receives are not aware of the identity of each other.

3. The third, inferior degree, is when the giver knows who is the recipient, but the recipient does not know who is the giver.

4. The fourth, still lower degree is where the recipient knows who is the giver, but the giver does not know who is the recipient.

5. The fifth degree is where the giver puts the alms into the hands of the poor without being asked.

6. The sixth degree is where he puts the money into the hands of the poor after being asked.

7. The seventh degree is where he gives less than he should but does so cheerfully.

8. The eighth degree is where he gives resentfully.


Courts of Justice

It is important to form courts of justice so that persons can be called upon to uphold the mitzvot, the religious laws and to be able to judge between people. Sages were divided as to whether the Noahides should be judged according to the Torah concerning financial matters or whether they should be judged according to common sense. It is worthwhile that such courts of justice should give sentences according to the same law for men and for women. The judges should be men since a woman should strive not to be involved in public matters. Every person should go to a court for justice and not try to mete out justice himself. Courts of justice are allowed to enforce regulations for the benefit of the society and to improve ethics and morality. It is the obligation of the Noahide to execute justice to the fullest degree and not to be merciful to criminals. People have the obligation to obey the law and see that the legislative and judicial and personnel and systems obey the law.

 

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