The global solution is dependent on each individual couple's commitment to put procreative action ahead of intellect. And each single to create a couple and build an ever-growing family.
While I tremendously admire large families, I accept that Hashem Blesses certain individuals with large families and other individuals with other Blessings. Moshe Rabbeinu only had 2 children and even divorced his wife. The Lubavitcher Rebbe and his wife didn't have children of their own yet the Rebbe was like a father to all.
That was Hashem's will. So we cant really make it sound like for every individual that procreating is the most important Mitzva. Maybe Hashem preordained no children for an individual sadly. All our Foremothers, Sarah, Rivka, Rochel (not sure about Leah) were barren as was Chana the Mother of Shmuel. Or maybe a sin that carries a punishment like Kares chas Vesholom is the reason one can't have children. While Teshuva is always an option it's not always so easy to do Teshuva, Hashem Yerachem to overturn the decree. Yes it's a Mitzva and we should make it a priority but perhaps Hashem Blesses some with children and not others... because a child is conceived with 3 partners. If Hashem is not a Partner it will not happen sadly.
I would prefer Rabbi Smith that we focus on all the 7 Noahide categories, the Torah for nonJews and all that it encompass rather than on procreation alone. Getting married to just anyone just to procreate can succeed but will it be a happy marriage and will the children see their parents who treat each other like King and Queen very connected to Hashem?
Isn't it true that Hashem wants couples to be compatible with a connection to each other from their Neshoma and connected to Hashem as a prerequisite for a healthy marriage?
Perhaps Rabbi Smith you can address the topic of Romance in Torah as it will be a popular subject for many who are confused.
Teaching Torah is actually completely intertwined with Be Fruitful and Multiply to the extent that students are considered like one's own sons. The last Commandment in the Torah is the Commandment to write a Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll) and it is really part of the First Commandment to Be Fruitful and Multiply because the Torah is the means by which we stay on track with the First Commandment.
So those Torah Scholars who did not have children were involved in advancing the Torah and the all the Commandments, particularly the First Commandment.
If a person is unable to have children, then they should be involved in helping others learn Torah and have and raise children. For example, a woman who does not have children, instead of withdrawing into herself in her loss, can help the woman next door who house is bursting at the seams and help with homework, piano lessons, babysitting, giving the parents a night out, adopting a child, helping a woman who is overwhelmed at the thought of being pregnant, etc.
What I highlighted in this article is that all the Seven categories of commandments are all supporters of expanding the Divine Image in the world and bringing more human beings into the world. These are not seven separate branches or aspects of life but really are all one with the core of life. The core of life is joy, love and expansion.
I am urging that singles drop their overthinking. They should marry someone who has an alignment of vision for their lives.
A happy marriage is based on respect and respect is based on purpose. When the true purpose is front and center there is an abundance of respect, attention, appreciation and affection. In such a family the parents will truly treat each other as King and Queen.
Hashem Yisborach will bring together the two people who are meant to be together. They just have to be willing to receive.
Regarding Romance, the Lubavitcher Rebbe told Mrs. Esther Steinberg when she was dating that she should forget all the romantic books she had read in school when she was looking for a husband.
The Rebbe said that there is no expectation of real love at the outset. Rather love develops over time and is indicated by a feeling that one spouse cannot imagine life without his spouse. That is love.
Bsd
Rabbi Smith, Shlita
While I tremendously admire large families, I accept that Hashem Blesses certain individuals with large families and other individuals with other Blessings. Moshe Rabbeinu only had 2 children and even divorced his wife. The Lubavitcher Rebbe and his wife didn't have children of their own yet the Rebbe was like a father to all.
That was Hashem's will. So we cant really make it sound like for every individual that procreating is the most important Mitzva. Maybe Hashem preordained no children for an individual sadly. All our Foremothers, Sarah, Rivka, Rochel (not sure about Leah) were barren as was Chana the Mother of Shmuel. Or maybe a sin that carries a punishment like Kares chas Vesholom is the reason one can't have children. While Teshuva is always an option it's not always so easy to do Teshuva, Hashem Yerachem to overturn the decree. Yes it's a Mitzva and we should make it a priority but perhaps Hashem Blesses some with children and not others... because a child is conceived with 3 partners. If Hashem is not a Partner it will not happen sadly.
I would prefer Rabbi Smith that we focus on all the 7 Noahide categories, the Torah for nonJews and all that it encompass rather than on procreation alone. Getting married to just anyone just to procreate can succeed but will it be a happy marriage and will the children see their parents who treat each other like King and Queen very connected to Hashem?
Isn't it true that Hashem wants couples to be compatible with a connection to each other from their Neshoma and connected to Hashem as a prerequisite for a healthy marriage?
Perhaps Rabbi Smith you can address the topic of Romance in Torah as it will be a popular subject for many who are confused.
Tysm!
Thanks for this great question and input.
Teaching Torah is actually completely intertwined with Be Fruitful and Multiply to the extent that students are considered like one's own sons. The last Commandment in the Torah is the Commandment to write a Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll) and it is really part of the First Commandment to Be Fruitful and Multiply because the Torah is the means by which we stay on track with the First Commandment.
So those Torah Scholars who did not have children were involved in advancing the Torah and the all the Commandments, particularly the First Commandment.
If a person is unable to have children, then they should be involved in helping others learn Torah and have and raise children. For example, a woman who does not have children, instead of withdrawing into herself in her loss, can help the woman next door who house is bursting at the seams and help with homework, piano lessons, babysitting, giving the parents a night out, adopting a child, helping a woman who is overwhelmed at the thought of being pregnant, etc.
What I highlighted in this article is that all the Seven categories of commandments are all supporters of expanding the Divine Image in the world and bringing more human beings into the world. These are not seven separate branches or aspects of life but really are all one with the core of life. The core of life is joy, love and expansion.
I am urging that singles drop their overthinking. They should marry someone who has an alignment of vision for their lives.
A happy marriage is based on respect and respect is based on purpose. When the true purpose is front and center there is an abundance of respect, attention, appreciation and affection. In such a family the parents will truly treat each other as King and Queen.
Hashem Yisborach will bring together the two people who are meant to be together. They just have to be willing to receive.
Regarding Romance, the Lubavitcher Rebbe told Mrs. Esther Steinberg when she was dating that she should forget all the romantic books she had read in school when she was looking for a husband.
The Rebbe said that there is no expectation of real love at the outset. Rather love develops over time and is indicated by a feeling that one spouse cannot imagine life without his spouse. That is love.
I know that the topic of Romance can be further developed and I'll make a note to address it on an upcoming Torah Experience video/podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtlCA-UZzfchIdfSQ69cyqCZQFfYHIBkK