Gemilut Ḥasadim

("deeds of loving-kindness"). Benevolent and kindly acts that traditionally constitute one of the three foundations of the world, along with Torah and worship (Avot 1:2). According to the rabbis, gemilut ḥasadim and raḥmanut (consideration or "tender-heartedness") are distinguishing characteristics of the Jewish people (Deut. R. 3:6). The practice of "kindly deeds" brings a double reward, since it is a precept "yielding fruit in this world while retaining its stock in the afterlife" (Shab. 127a). Both charity and gemiIut ḥasadim are equal to all the commandments in the Torah, but the former is outweighed by the latter. In the first benediction of the daily Amidah, God is called Gomel ḥasadim tovim ("Bestower of loving-kindness"), an idea which the Talmud explains on the basis of His exemplary acts (Sot. 14a).

The sages regarded gemilut ḥasadim as a social virtue embracing humane and philanthropic activities of every kind: providing Hospitality, dowering a bride (Hakhnasat Kallah), visiting the SICK, feeding the POOR, comforting a mourner, or attending a funeral. According to the rabbis, "lending without interest is preferable to giving charity, and investing money in a poor man's business is more laudable still" (Shab. 63a). The term gemilut ḥesed came to be used in the sense of granting an interest-free loan, for which purpose special gemilut ḥesed charitable societies were administered by most Jewish communities and continue to function in some parts of the world.

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