January 18, 2010

In the recent past there has been bad press on Claude Bitton. We like to set the record straight that on October 22, 2009 the Crown prosecutor, Mr. John Flaherty, advised Justice Shepaprd of Ontario Superior Court that all charges against Mr Claude Bitton were being withdrawn. Following the advice of the Crown, Justice Sheppard pronounced the charges against Mr. Claude Bitton were withdrawn. More news and updates to be followed in the near future.

Claude Bitton like many other scholars believe in the spiritual benefit of giving to charity – the thought that that the giver benefits more then the recipient. By giving to charity, Claude Bitton feels the good that G-d has given him. Contributing toward the welfare of others is a central and fulfilling part of his Jewish identity. Claude Bitton like many others feel they have a mandate to improve the world they live in (tikkun olam). Tikkun olam is achieved through the performance of good deeds. The Talmud states that the world rests on three things: Torah, service to G-d, and deeds of kindness (gemilut hasadim).

Tzedakah is derived from the word tzedek, which means righteous. The main difference between these two words is the Hebrew letter “hey”, which represents the divine. Kabbalists explain that tzedakah is a partnership between the righteous and G-d and that acts of tzedakah are permeated with G-d’s goodness and the giving of tzedakah can make the world a better place.

Claude Bitton like many other philanthropists donate their money, goods, services, time and or effort to help support a social beneficial cause that is intended to promote good or improve human quality of life. Claude Bitton follows The Torah – the Jewish Code Book of Law. It states how everybody needs to give to charity and different types apply to different situations. Maimonides defines seven types of charity:

• Giving a person(s) independence so that s/he will not have to depend on tzedakah. Maimonides enumerates four forms of this, from the greatest to the weakest:
• Giving a poor person work.
• Making a partnership with him or her (this is lower than work, as the recipient might feel he doesn't put enough into the partnership).
• Giving an interest-free loan to a person in need.
• Giving a grant to a person in need.
• Giving tzedakah anonymously to an unknown recipient via a person (or public fund) which is trustworthy, wise, and can perform acts of tzedakah with your money in a most impeccable fashion.
• Giving tzedakah anonymously to a known recipient.
• Giving tzedakah publicly to an unknown recipient.
• Giving tzedakah before being asked.
• Giving adequately after being asked.
• Giving willingly, but inadequately.
• Giving "in sadness" - it is thought that Maimonides was referring to giving because of the sad feelings one might have in seeing people in need (as opposed to giving because it is a religious obligation). Claude Bitton has risen to the occasion for many clubs, synagogues and kiruv movements. His contributions to these organizations have given him a fulfilling feeling towards his Jewish identity. With Claude Bitton’s strong belief in his own religion and engagement in world activities he has brought many people closer to their own religion. Claude Bitton is a truly inspirational man.