The Effort of Charity Printed with permission from "The Chesed Boomerang" by Jack Doueck www.judaicapress.com In Judaism, there are very specific laws of charity. Charity is never accomplished without effort. The Shulhan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 249:3) states: “You must give the charity with a smile, with happiness and with a good heart. And you must feel the pain of the poor man, suffer with him and speak to him words of comfort and consolation. If, on the other hand, you give the charity with a sour or unhappy (or regretful) facial expression, you lose your merit. Return to 'Our Tradition' Menu