Rambam

The Eight Levels of Tzedakah — Guide to Giving with Compassion

Rambam, also known as Maimonides (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon), outlined eight distinct levels of giving Tzedakah in his work, the Mishneh Torah (Laws of Charity, 10:7–14). As not all Tzedakah is equal, the levels are ranked in descending order of merit, from the most virtuous act to the least commendable, though still considered an act of giving.