This book (in Russian) is a popular historical overview of ancient Jewish philanthropy, as described by the "letter of the Law and the word of the Prophets." It covers the fifteen-century period from the era of David and Solomon, to the time of completion of Talmud. The author, relying on the works of established scholars in the field and on Biblical texts, attempts to answer the following questions: - How Biblical commandments influenced the social ethics and social assistance practices of ancient Jews? - What were the views of Jewish sages on the origins and growth of inequality, on the...