Translation:Shulchan Aruch/Yoreh Deah/249

How much should one give and how should one give it? In this regard, there are sixteen sections: Section 1: The measure of giving, if one's hand is capable, is to give according to the needs of the poor. And if one's hand is not capable, they should give up to a fifth of their possessions, which is a distinguished commandment. And one-tenth is a moderate measure, less than that is considered stinginess. And this fifth is from the profits attained each year.

Note: A person should not squander more than a fifth, as they may need it for others (Ba'al Ha'Itur citing the Talmud, page Na'ara She'netpatea). However, during one's final moments, a person can give as much charity as they wish (Gaz citing Rashi, Rosh, Ramban, and Mordechai). And one should not use their own tithe for other commandments, such as candles for the synagogue or other commandments, but rather give it to the poor (Maharil, Laws of Rosh Hashanah).

Section 2: One should never withhold from themselves less than a third of a shekel per year. And if one gives less than this, they have not fulfilled the commandment of charity.

Section 3: One should give charity with a pleasant countenance, with joy and a kind heart, and sympathize with the poor in their distress, speaking comforting words to them. If one gives with an angry or unpleasant countenance, they lose the merit.

Section 4: If a poor person asks someone for help and they have nothing to give, they should not scold or raise their voice towards them. Instead, they should appease them with words and show them their good heart, that they wish to give but their hand is not capable.

Note: It is forbidden to send a poor person away empty-handed, even if one can only give them a small coin (as it is said in Psalms 41:2, "Do not turn away your face from a pauper"). (Tur, citing Rambam)

Section 5: If one can do something for others that will give them greater reward than the reward of the giver, it is praiseworthy.

Section 6: There are eight levels of charity, each surpassing the previous one. The highest level is for one who strengthens the hand of their fellow Jew, supporting them by giving them a gift, loan, partnership, or finding them work so that they do not become dependent on others and have no need to ask for charity. Regarding this, it is said, "You shall strengthen him" (Deuteronomy 15:8).

Section 7: Giving less than this to a poor person when one does not know who they are giving to, and the poor person does not know who is giving to them, is near to the level of giving to a charity box. One should not contribute to a charity box unless they know that the person in charge of it is trustworthy and will administer it properly.

Section 8: Giving less than this to a poor person when the giver knows who they are giving to, but the poor person does not know who the giver is, is similar to the practice of the sages who would discreetly place money in the garments of the poor. This is praiseworthy. However, if there are officials in charge of charity, one should act in a straightforward manner.

Section 9: Giving less than this to a poor person when the poor person knows who the giver is, but the giver does not know who the poor person is, is similar to the practice of wise sages who would secretly place money behind them and the poor would take it so as not to embarrass them.

Section 10: Giving less than this amount to a poor person without them asking for it, but the giver knows that they are in need, is praiseworthy.

Section 11: Giving less than this amount to a poor person after they have asked for it, according to what is appropriate, is praiseworthy.

Section 12: Giving less than this amount to a poor person with a pleasant countenance is praiseworthy.

Section 13: Giving less than this amount to a poor person with sorrow is permissible.

Note: In any case, a person should not boast about their charity, as if they do, it is not enough that they do not receive reward, but they may even be punished for it (Semag, brought by Ba'al Ha'Itur). Nevertheless, one who designates something for charity is permitted to write their name on it as a memorial, and it is praiseworthy to do so (Teshuvat Rashba, Siman Tafpei Alef).

Section 14: It is good to give a small coin to a poor person before every prayer, as it is said, "I will see Your face with charity" (Psalms 17:15).

Section 15: Charity collectors who have charity funds in their hands should give them to impoverished maidens, as there is no greater charity than this.

Section 16: Some say that the mitzvah of supporting a synagogue is superior to the mitzvah of charity. And the mitzvah of charity for children studying Torah or sick individuals is superior to the mitzvah of supporting a synagogue.

Note: The custom to distribute charity for the deceased during the remembrance of souls is an ancient custom and it benefits their souls (Rokach, Siman Reish Ayin Zayin).