In Pirkei Avot, our sages say that we must be as careful in performing a minor mitzvah as we are in performing a major one. All mitzvot should be fulfilled equally.But what happens in those moments when two commandments conflict with each other, or when both mitzvot need to be fulfilled at the same time, and we can only fulfill one? We are forced to choose. The underlying question is: are there options within the Torah?

Our sages speak of two types of mitzvot. A person can perform a mitzvah that is only for their own benefit, but does not benefit others. For example, the mitzvah of putting on Tefillin or eating matzah on Passover. No matter how much someone strives to perform these mitzvot, the fact is that they only benefit themselves and do not benefit anyone else. Their devotion should be acknowledged, but it cannot be compared to someone who, by fulfilling a mitzvah, benefits others, such as the mitzvot of charity and hospitality—caring for and being concerned about others.

The mitzvot that only benefit oneself are known in the Mishnah as commandments between man and God, “Bein Adam Lamakom.” The mitzvot that benefit others are known as commandments between man and his fellow, “Bein Adam Lechavero.” Our sages clearly indicate that if we must choose between a “man-God” commandment and a “man-fellow” commandment, we should choose the latter.

Some examples of man-God mitzvot are:

• Reciting the Shema in the morning and evening.
• Loving God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.
• Fasting on Yom Kippur.
• Not eating taref (non-kosher food).
• Not cooking meat in milk.

Some examples of person-person mitzvot are:

• Honoring your father and mother.
• Showing kindness to a stranger (Ger).
• Not bearing false witness in denying a monetary debt.
• Paying a worker’s wages on time.
• Not deceiving others in matters of buying or selling.

Our sages explain it very clearly: in the case of having to choose between God and man, we must choose the human being, because God does not need us, but people do.

By Marcos Gojman

Bibliography: “Understanding Judaism, the Basics of Deed and Creed” by Rabbi Benjamin Blech.