Torah Study > Chapter 4: Tzedek, Tzedakah, & Chesed > Text 7
What different kinds of tzedakah are described in this text?
The story describes two different kinds of tzedakah. Mar Ukba gives
money anonymously. His wife feeds the hungry at her kitchen table.
What are the basic characteristics of each way of giving? What are the
strengths and weaknesses of each?
Anonymous giving avoids the potential for embarrassing the recipient. In
the case of Mar Ukba’s anonymous giving, there is also the possibility that
his giving is based on an assumption of need that may or may not be
accurate. Giving face-to-face, on the other hand, enables an inter-human
connection. Seeing the humanity in each other and forming a relationship
can be the basis for restoring the dignity of a person suffering from poverty.
But if not done with proper respect, that interaction could cause the
recipient embarrassment and damage his or her sense of self-worth. As
opposed to anonymous giving, though, there is a great likelihood that the
assistance offered will be in response to an authentic need.
Why do you think this story rewarded the wife? What does it teach us?
One possible interpretation is that the story is teaching the importance
of living together with those who need help: eating meals with them,
developing personal relationships with them. Anonymous giving maintains
a barrier between people. Encourage participants to think about ways to
engage in both methods of giving.
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What would be a contemporary analogy to each method of giving
today?
Which kind of giving should be our focus?
Are there times when the method of giving should vary based on the
circumstances? When?
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