Family-Related Mitzvos

43: Getting Married and Having Children

"Be fruitful and multiply." (Bereishis 1:28)

It is a mitzvah to get married in order to have children and raise a family. One should strive to have many children, since each additional child is like building a world. Both men and women should always strive to be married (Rambam, Hilchos Ishus 15a:16).

A person should pray for help in finding the right shidduch. Parents should also pray for their children (Berachos 8a).

"It is not good for a person to be alone." (Bereishis 2:18)

The third mitzvah that a person will be asked upon entry into the World to Come is "Have you been involved in the mitzvah to procreate?" (Shabbos 31a).

Text Copyright © 2007 by Rabbi Moshe Goldberger and Torah.org.