What's so different with Jewish charity?

The Jewish view of tzedakah, means "justice" or "righteousness" is usually translated, somewhat inaccurately as charity. In Judaism, the act of giving tzedakah is operating on a whole different level than just giving what and when one feels like giving. So what's so different with Jewish charity? The following is the answer from Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson.

Giving "what and when I feel like it" stems from a mindset that the money I earn is the product of my own efforts, and when I choose to give charity, I am going beyond my duty. I am being generous with that which is rightfully mine.

The Torah teaches otherwise. We believe that everything that we have is a direct blessing from G‑d. Those who have been granted the means to give were chosen by G‑d to be the givers, as opposed to others who, due to reasons known to the Creator Himself, were chosen to be the receivers.

Banking has always been a Jewish profession, and in truth every Jew is a banker. I may have money in my pocket, but it was merely deposited with me—with the trust that I will manage it wisely. Some of the deposited money is for me, and some is for me to dispense. If I misappropriate funds, G‑d forbid, the Depositor might find someone else to handle His money (maybe even the money earmarked for me...).

With this in mind, it is understandable why Judaism requires that, if possible, we should give whenever we see someone in need. If, by Divine Providence, I was exposed to someone's lacking, it's a clear indication that I can do something about it. We always have to give what we can; if not money, at least a smile and an encouraging word.

This is aside for the minimum ten percent of our earnings which must be set aside for charitable purposes.

The difference between the two attitudes toward charity expresses itself in another area as well. If I feel that I am giving due to my personal generosity and munificence, then I am rightfully deserving of recognition and honor. And if the recipient has to pay a little with his dignity in order to benefit from my largess... well that's just par for the course.

If, however, I am just dispensing money, just discharging my duty, then a) it's not a cause for ego-inflation, and b) the recipient shouldn't have to pay with his dignity. We're both just partners in the Depositor's cosmic investment plan.

Source: http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/704984/jewish/What-is-the-Jewish-take-on-charity.htm