[Avodah] The Main Idea of Judaism

[Poppers, Michael]

In Avodah V30n89, RDR replied to RnLL:
>> It's not a form of avodat Hashem?  I think it can be.  If it isn't, maybe that's something to work on. <<
> <<snip>> If you think, as I do, that the categories of mitzvah and aveirah are central to Judaism, this is a a troubling attitude.  If a change in 
perspective can transform a neutral act into a virtuous act, why can't 
it also change a prohibited act into a virtuous act? <
A change in intent (via t'shuvah g'murah or, chalilah, the reverse) can transform one's aveiros into mitzvos or vice versa.  A midah can be (to use RDR's words) prohibited (e.g. coveting another's property or wife) or virtuous (e.g. coveting another's knowledge or good deeds).  Seems like the intent, not the category, is key. 

All the best from 
-- Michael Poppers via BB pager