by Ram ben Ze'ev
In a world that thrives on self-promotion, where acts of kindness are often accompanied by a social media post, a press release, or a plaque on the wall, Judaism offers a countercultural message: Do good. Tell no one. The One who needs to know, already does—G-D.
This principle is not only a moral aspiration but a deeply embedded truth in Jewish thought. The תלמוד (Talmud) in עבודה זרה (Avodah Zarah) 2b states:"כל צדקה וחסד שאומות העולם עושין - חטא הוא להן, שאין עושין אלא להתגדל בהן""Any acts of charity and kindness that the nations of the world perform are considered a sin for them, because they only do so to elevate themselves."
Unlike the חסד (chesed – loving-kindness) of the תורה (Torah), which is meant to be pure and unselfish, the acts of goodness performed by the nations often serve as a means to an end—whether for honour, power, or influence.
This is not a condemnation of generosity among non-Jews, but rather a distinction between acts done לשם שמים (leshem shamayim – for the sake of Heaven) and those done for self-glorification. The הזוהר הקדוש (the Holy Zohar) teaches that every deed carries an intention, and it is that intention which determines its true worth before G-D.
Quiet Righteousness vs. Public Displays
The תורה (Torah) tells us:"נתון תתן לו, ולא ירע לבבך בתתך לו""You shall surely give him, and let your heart not feel bad when you give to him" (דברים (Devarim) 15:10).
Giving is not merely an external action but a spiritual discipline. A true giver does not seek recognition. The ultimate ideal is described by רמב"ם (Rambam – Maimonides) in his famous Eight Levels of Charity, where the highest level is to give anonymously, so that neither the giver nor the recipient knows the other’s identity.
Contrast this with modern charity, where names are engraved in marble, donations come with tax benefits, and generosity is measured in public accolades. This is precisely what the תלמוד (Talmud) warns against—the kind of righteousness that seeks validation rather than divine favour.
The Nations vs. the Children of ישראל (Yisrael – Israel)
Rabbi Elazar (רבי אלעזר) states in בבא בתרא (Bava Batra) 10b that G-D did an act of kindness by scattering ישראל (Yisrael – Israel) among the nations. Why? Because it highlights the stark difference between the ways of the world and the ways of the תורה (Torah).
Nations often give in order to be seen. But ישראל (Yisrael), the children of אברהם אבינו (Avraham Avinu – Our Father Avraham)—who excelled in selfless חסד (chesed)—are meant to give without seeking reward.
The מדרש תהלים (Midrash Tehillim) on תהלים (Tehillim) 17 underscores this point: The nations may do good, but their kindness is rooted in self-interest. In contrast, the true servant of G-D performs good deeds knowing that only He sees. And that is enough.
A World That Craves Attention
Today’s society conditions us to seek approval for everything we do. Social media platforms are filled with people showcasing their good deeds. Even acts of charity become performance art. But what if we resisted that urge? What if we embraced the radical humility of "Do good. Tell no one."?
Imagine a world where acts of kindness were performed simply because they were right. A world where giving was an expression of the soul rather than a means to gain status. This is the vision of the תורה (Torah). This is the way of the righteous.
The One Who Knows
Ultimately, the only One who truly matters already sees."עיני ה' משוטטות בכל הארץ""The eyes of ה' (Hashem – G-D) roam the earth" (דברי הימים (Divrei HaYamim) II 16:9).
No deed goes unnoticed before the Master of the Universe. No act of חסד (chesed) is ever forgotten. The reward for goodness does not come from men—it comes from above.
So the next time you perform an act of kindness, resist the temptation to announce it. Let the deed be its own testimony. Let your righteousness shine not in the eyes of the world, but in the presence of G-D.
Do good. Tell no one. That is the highest level of חסד (chesed). That is true greatness.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue