What Does Judaism Have to Say to Childless Couples?by Miriam Metzinger | More from this Blogger 28 Jul 2007 10:22 PM While the mitzvah (commandment) to be fruitful and multiply is arguably one of the most important commandments in the Torah (it is certainly the first, since it was given to all of creation after Hashem made every living thing), it also seems to be a commandment whose fulfillment does not seem to be entirely in our control. After all, many couples lack children even after years of trying. What does the Torah say to people who undergo years of effort and heartbreaking disappointment in their efforts to conceive a child? The prophet Isaiah consoles those who cannot have children: "Let not the barren one say, 'I am a dry tree." He then recounts G-d's promise to provide an everlasting name for those who cannot bear children to pass on their legacies. Concerning Noah, the Torah says; "These are the children of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, perfect in his generations, Noah walked with G-d." Why does the Torah indicate that there will be a description of Noah's children and then break off and discuss the fact that Noah was righteous? What is the connection? According to the Midrash, a person's true offspring are his or her good deeds. This is no mere analogy, but according to Judaism, Torah that is studied and good deeds that are performed have a permanent existence and bring G-dliness into the world. According to the Talmud, if a person teaches another Torah, it is as if he has given birth to that person. Therefore, every student carries on the lessons learned from a teacher in a similar way that children convey the genetic code of their parents for future generations. With all of the improvements in medical technology to assist infertile couples, it is clear that we are approaching a more benevolent era when people who, in the past, would have been relegated to a childless status are conceiving against the odds. This is one of the signs of the Messianic era, when childlessness, along with other ills, will be cured. Learn more about Miriam Metzinger  Miriam is a freelance writer, a work-at-home mom and lives in Jerusalem with her two sons, Schneur Zalman (3), Yosef Yitzchak (6 months and counting) and her husband, Yehoshua, who is a rabbi and i... Relevantjewish tags User Comments  Valorie Delp (49340) 29 Jul 2007 05:50 AMThis is a really interesting article Miriam! Thanks for sharing! cup (15) 14 Apr 2008 01:45 AMLoved the explanation and it really makes sense even the DNA part Discuss this article
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