I found the class discussion yesterday about tzedakah, or the act of giving, to be extremely interesting. Is it more honorable to give anonymously? Does receiving recognition for a donation (in any manner, money, time, energy spent, ect) mean that an act is less honorable than the act of a person who does it without recognition? Its certainly a question worth contemplation.

It was brought up yesterday in discussion that Rambam declared that the most honorable act of giving was one in which the person doing it was completely unrecognized, and the person reciving the tzedakah had no idea as to how he or she recieved it. This mitzvah, giving without recognition, is certainly a worthy form of giving because the person doing the mitzvah (good deed) is doing it without the expectation of gratitude. I have nothing but the utmost respect for all individuals who can engage themselves in this type of giving.

On the other hand, there are certain situations that I do believe merit recognition for mitzvot. For example, as a member of our class pointed out, when a loved one passes on, and the community comes together in support, oftentimes the family will make a contribution in the loved ones name in honor of the support shown by the community in their time of need. In such a circumstance, I think that a recognition of some sort is fitting. By recognizing that a specific person donated a gift to the community, and not an unknown benefactor, it is symbolizing the appreciation and love the family would like imparted to the rest of the group.

In regards to the UJA-Federation's method or recognition, I absolutely do not agree. I dont feel like it is at all necessary, or respectful to call out donors' names and monetary contributions during an annual dinner. I feel that this sort of public display is a humiliation and embarassment. Not everyone can afford to contribute to the extent of their neighbor, and to make one person feel as though their contribution is not enough, in my opinion, is disrespectful. Each person's financial situation is a personal affair, and as such each contribution should be treated with equal importance. If the UJA-Federation would like to have some sort of public recognition, perhaps a reading of all of the donors without the individual contributions read alongside the names would be appropriate. At the end, the finale could be a final reading of the total contributions made, to show how the community, as a whole, has come together in support of the UJA-Federation.