Benevolent and kindly acts that traditionally constitute one of the three foundations of the world, along with Torah and worship.

According to the rabbis, Gemilut Chasadim and Rachmanut (consideration or “tender-heartedness”) are distinguishing characteristics of the Jewish people. 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”. Both charity and Gemilut Chasadim 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 Chasadim Tovim (“Bestower of loving kindness”), an idea which the Talmud explains on the basis of His exemplary acts

The sages regarded Gemilut Chasadim as a social virtue embracing humane and philanthropic activities of every kind: providing Hospitality, dowering a bride (Hachnasat 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”. The term Gemilut Chesed came to be used in the sense of granting an interest-free loan, for which purpose special Gemilut Chesed charitable societies were administered by most Jewish communities and continue to function in some parts of the world.