Why did Hillel tell the nonJew who wanted to learn the Torah while standing on one foot (Shabbos 31a), that the Torah is about the negative commandments rather than the positive commandments?
The way you frame the question, it sounds negative. But I think the correct dichotomy is not positive-negative, rather it’s bein adam le’chaveiro v. bein adam l’makom (Between Man and Man vs. Between Man and G-d), and what’s unique about the story is that most people think of religion as all about God, and here Hillel tells the man, the essence of Judaism is how we treat other people. That’s quite revolutionary. That means that even if you go to shul (synagogue) and say your prayers, keep Shabbat strictly, etc etc, but don’t treat fellow human beings with respect and dignity, then you’re not a good Jew.
All the Best,
Rabbi Seinfeld
http://rabbiseinfeld.blogspot.com