224. Higher than Giving

34:11 One receives a greater reward for influencing others to give charity than for giving it himself as per Isaiah 32:17, “The work of charity is peace.” Regarding those who fundraise for charity or manage charity funds, it is said, “Those who turn others to righteousness are like the stars” (Daniel 12:3). A charity fund manager should not let it bother him if he is insulted by those he is trying to help as this only increases his merit. 34:12 The highest form of charity is to enable a person to support himself before he becomes destitute. This can include giving him a gift in an honorable fashion, giving him a loan, going into business with him or finding him a job. Regarding this, the Torah says “You shall support him” (Leviticus 25:35), meaning keeping him from falling in the first place.