1)The Gemara in Shabbat (31a), according to which one of the questions that one is asked after his time on this earth is up and he is facing the Heavenly judgment is “ עסקת בפריה ורביה ” — “did you engage in procreation?” TheMaharsha comments: The Gemara did not say [that one is asked] “did you fulfill [the mitzvah] of procreation,” but rather “did you engage [in the mitzvah of procreation],” meaning, “[did you take steps] to marry off orphans.” Maharsha, Chidushei Aggadot to Shabbat 31a, לא אמר קיימת פריה ורביה אלא עסקת דהיינו להשיא יתום ויתומה . מהרש"א חידושי אגדות לשבת דף ל"א. בד"ה עסקת The Maharsha clearly understands that being engaged in the mitzvah of procreation means more than fulfilling that mitzvah by having children oneself; it includes doing what one can to facilitate the fulfillment of that mitzvah by others, by people who are less fortunate and who may never have the opportunity to get married and perform this mitzvah without the efforts of...
Comments
Post a Comment