Per your suggestion I read Mesilat Yesharim. I have a bunch of questions here are some below.
Context:
I’m still on level 1 (Zehirut)
Questions
- if I don’t do a positive commandment is it still considered a sin?
- Does god expect me to do positive commandments at this level?
- Also if I’m on this level is Teshuva needed for not doing a positive commandment intentionally?
- Am I considered under O-Nes or something like that?
More context: The reason I’m uncertain is because Zerihut pertains to negative commandments and Zerizut pertains to not just doing the positive commandments, but doing them with Zerizut.
Another question
- Since Zerizut isn’t just doing positive commandments, it’s doing them with Zerizut. Which level encompasses doing positive commandments even without Zerizut? – is that even a level? Or should I only be doing positive commandments once they’re coming from Zerizut and I’m not forcing myself?
1. focusing on what is a sin or is not a sin is counterproductive. Focus on learning and doing good things, and constantly improving.
2. All positive commandments that you can do, should be done
3. See 1
4. See 1
Zerizut is not exactly defined as we use it nowadays. Zahir is someone who is careful to avoid Lo Taaseh. Zariz is someone who is proactive about doing positive commandments.
If you are doing the positive commandments, you are a Zariz. If your are avoiding negative commandments, you are Zahir.