LEV35 The atonement of doing charity is commensurate to the atonement of sacrifices. Rabbi Yochanan was walking on the outskirts of Jerusalem and Rabbi Yehoshua was following him. When they saw the ruins of the Bais Hamikdosh (Holy Temple), Rabbi Yehoshua said, "Woe to us. The place that atoned for sins is destroyed." "My son," said Rabbi Yochanan, "We still have another means of atonement that is equal to the Bais Hamikdosh: Chesed. As it is stated, 'Lovingkindness is what I want, and not sacrifices' (Hoshaia 6:6)." (Avos D'Reb Noson, ch. 4).