In Jewish tradition, it’s not only what you give, but how you give that has meaning in terms of living a spiritual life. Some people refer to giving unto others who need support as “charity.” But Ira Riklis believes that word gives a somewhat condescending impression, as if it were a voluntary, magnanimous act that confers greatness on the giver. While gifts given with this attitude can still benefit those in need, they are considered a lower form of giving.
Instead, gifts should be given with a joyous heart and the realization that what you area actually doing is restoring fairness by returning to others what is rightfully theirs. That’s because Judaism holds that people in need have a legal right to food, clothing and shelter. And Ira Riklis knows that—in terms of “rightness”—there are levels of giving. The lowest of these is giving begrudgingly; the highest is giving joyfully and with gratitude in a way that enables the recipient to rise above their need and become self-reliant.