Charity should be in concealment, as it is written, “A gift in secret subdues anger,” meaning that he does not know to whom he gives. A gift is to the contrary, as our sages said, “He who gives a gift to his friend must let him know,” as our sages said, “I have a good gift in My treasury, whose name is Shabbat [Sabbath]; go and notify them” (Shabbat 10b).
The thing is that charity is regarded as faith, as it is written, “And he believed in the Lord and considered for him as Tzedakah [righteousness/charity].” When he believes above reason, it is called “giving in secret,” meaning that he does not know to whom he gives or if what he gives has been received.
This is a preparation for the reception of the Torah, since the Torah was given only to Israel, as it is written, “Says His words to Jacob,” as our sages said, “Wisdom in the nations, believe; Torah in the nations, do not believe.”
Hence, afterward, when they are rewarded with the Torah, the Torah is called “a gift,” as our sages said about the verse, “From Matanah [Hebrew: gift] to Nahliel” (Iruvin 54a). Torah means specifically that he has been rewarded with the Giver of the Torah. Hence, the Creator lets him know that He is the one who gives him the gift, as was said, “Shabbat, when he feels the light of Shabbat,” at that time it is called “a gift,” which is knowing.
Before he is rewarded with knowing, it is called “faith,” which is charity.