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The Rabbis told R. Joshua b. Levi: Children have come to the Beit Midrash (house of study) and said things the like of which was not said even in the days of Joshua the son of Nun. [Thus]: Alef Beth means “learn wisdom” [Alef Binah]; Gimmel Daleth, “show kindness to the poor” [Gemol Dallim]. Why is the foot of the Gimmel stretched toward the Daleth? Because it is fitting for the benevolent to run after [seek out] the poor. And why is the roof of the Daleth stretched out toward the Gimmel? Because he [the poor] must make himself available to her [the benevolent]. And why is the face of the Daleth turned away from the Gimmel? Because she must give him help in secret, lest she be ashamed of him. [Soncino translation. Edited for gender neutrality.]

1. According to this text, who is responsible for ensuring that the poor receive charity?
2. Why would the benevolent be ashamed of the poor? Do you see examples of this today?
3. How do the values in this text translate to our tzedakah practice?