Infertility

[Jaymes]

I apologize if I've gotten something very obvious wrong... I'm not exactly the most knowledgeable person on Judaism.

I recall jewscout stating a couple of times that it's okay to use condoms if you've either already had kids or plan to in the future... what does the Torah say about a couple where one partner is infertile? Does the other partner still have a responsibility to have kid(s)?

 

[jewscout]

i don't remember where, if at all, the Torah deals with infertility (but if someone else does feel free to say so) but i do remember that sarah was infertile for like 100 years before having Issac, so she insisted that Abraham take their maidservant, who bore him Ishmael.

today i would probably have to say with modern technology and adoption there are many options for people who are infertile, but we must always remember anything that happens is the will of HaShem, as hard and difficult as that may be.

 

[Jaymes]

Is it important that followers of Judaism have children that are genetically theirs or just that they raise children as followers of Judaism? (Thank you for being patient with me, Jewscout )

 

[jewscout]

Is it important that followers of Judaism have children that are genetically theirs or just that they raise children as followers of Judaism? (Thank you for being patient with me, Jewscout )

I think there is a great emphasis on family in Judaism and teaching children in the ways of the Torah and mitzvot. Though i don't think this is restricted to children who are genetically the children of their parents, i'm sure that this goes to adopted children as well. Of course there is the question of converting non-jewish children in such situations that each family must address in their own personal way, whichever is most comfortable.

i think raising children, whether they are genetically yours or not, is one of the greatest mitzvot of all.

 

[Lintu]

Judaism is generally very accepting of any method to have children based on the commandment to "be fruitful and multiply." It's able to be seen in the important place of children in many celebrations. There is nothing wrong in Judaism with adopting children. The children would likely undergo a conversion ceremony and then they would be as Jewish as one from the mother's womb.

Unrelated, but in an interesting fact, a man is required to have sexual relations with his wife regardless of whether he (or she) is capable of having children. In Judaism, sex isn't *always* about procreation! (I got this info from askmoses.com).

 

[larsonmahl]

There are so many options to consider for infertility now.
Sites like howtogetpregnantnow.info discuss a variety of options couples can consider.

Good Luck!

Larson