עברית
Halachot and Customs
Which is More Important: Mitzvot Between Man and Fellow Man or Between Man and Hashem?
Question
Shalom and blessings,
1. Which mitzvot are more important: those between man and Hashem or those between man and his fellow? Our Sages stated that ethical conduct preceded the Torah; does this imply that mitzvot between man and fellow are more important? 2. I consider myself a traditional secular Jew who makes Kiddush on Shabbat, tries not to kindle fire, fasts on Yom Kippur, keeps kosher, believes in God, and even prays and occasionally puts on Tefillin... Is this not enough to be considered a good person both religiously and morally?
Answer
Shalom and blessings,
It should be understood that all mitzvot are incumbent upon us only by virtue of Hashem's commandments in the Torah. Even mitzvot between man and his fellow are observed because this is Hashem's will. There is no preference of importance for mitzvot between man and fellow over those between man and Hashem; each and every mitzvah has its own unique weight according to its exalted value and the magnitude of repair it effects in a person’s soul and in the higher worlds.
There is a special severity regarding mitzvot between man and fellow compared to those between man and Hashem: while repentance alone is sufficient for mitzvot between man and Hashem, mitzvot between man and fellow require also the forgiveness of the one who was wronged. Moreover, when harm is done to others, Hashem punishes already in this world and does not wait for the world to come, as is the case with transgressions solely between man and Hashem.
Regarding what our Sages said, “Ethical conduct preceded the Torah,” they meant that even before Hashem commanded the Torah to the Jewish people, it was mandatory to behave morally. On this, it is stated that “ethical conduct preceded the Torah,” for Cain was punished for killing Abel even though he had not yet been explicitly commanded by Hashem regarding the prohibition of murder. This means that Hashem implanted morality and conscience naturally within man, and when one kills despite the morality ingrained in him, he is deserving of punishment. This is the intent of our Sages’ statement, “Ethical conduct preceded the Torah.”
I cannot say of one person or another that he is better or worse. However, in general, there is no doubt that every mitzvah advances a person and draws him closer to his Creator. The more mitzvot a person observes, the better and more worthy he is.
Furthermore, every sin – that which opposes Hashem’s will – is a bad and improper act that lowers a person from his level and stature.
With blessing,
Binyamin Shmueli
