What Is More Important Than the 613 Commandments?

Have you ever considered the connection between your character traits and observing the commandments? Rabbi Chaim Vital, a disciple of the Holy Ari, reveals in his book "Shaarei Kedusha" the immense importance of refining one's traits and how they influence our ability to observe all 613 commandments.

Rabbi Chaim Vital emphasizes that good and bad traits are an essential part of our basic soul. They constitute the foundation and basis of the higher intellectual soul, through which we can fulfill the commandments. If our traits are negative, they serve as an obstacle to observing the commandments.

He states: "Behold, the matter of the traits is imprinted in man and in the lower soul.... And in this soul hang the good and bad traits, and they are the seat, foundation, and root for the higher intellectual soul through which the 613 Torah commandments depend. Therefore, the traits are not part of the 613 commandments, but rather they are the primary preparations for the fulfillment or negation of the 613 commandments... because there is no power in the intellectual soul to keep the commandments through the 613 parts of the body, except through the fundamental soul connected to the body itself... Therefore, bad traits are much more severe than the transgressions themselves. And with this, you'll understand the matter of what our sages said: 'Anyone who gets angry is like one who worships idols,' which is more equated with all 613 commandments, and they also said: 'One who is arrogant is like a heretic of the fundamental principle and should be cut down like an Asherah (idolatrous tree)' etc... It follows that one should be more cautious about bad traits than the actual positive and negative commandments, because by having good traits, one can easily fulfill all the commandments".(Shaarei Kedusha by Rabbi Chaim Vital, Part I, Gate II).

A brief explanation of the matter

Rabbi Chaim Vital explains that good and bad traits are an inseparable part of a person's basic soul, forming the foundation and basis for the higher intellectual soul, through which commandments can be observed. Therefore, the traits themselves are not part of the commandments but prepare a person for their observance. A person with good traits will find it easier to fulfill the commandments, whereas bad traits may create obstacles in the path of observing the commandments.

Following are 4 main quotes from Rabbi Chaim Vital's statements:

1. "Traits are the primary preparations for the existence or nullification of the 613 commandments."

2. "The matter of bad traits is much more severe than the transgressions themselves."

3. "One should be more cautious about bad traits than the fulfillment of the positive and negative commandments."

4. "By having good traits, one can easily fulfill all the commandments."

How can we improve our traits and positively impact the observance of commandments?

Self-examination: Take time to reflect on your traits. Which traits do you want to improve?

Repetition and Review: Repeat daily the words of Rabbi Chaim Vital to gain motivation for ongoing self-improvement.

Study of Ethics: Read ethical books and learn ways to improve your traits from them.

Patience and Tolerance: Practice patience and tolerance towards those around you.

Acts of Kindness: Look for opportunities to help others and perform acts of kindness.

Personal Prayer: Ask the Creator for help in improving positive traits and overcoming negative traits.