Precept of procreation (Genesis 1:28)
Parashah Bereshit (Genesis 1:1-6:8)
According to the Sefer HaChinuch and the Shulchan Arukh (Even HaEzer 1:1), the commandment (mitzvah) to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28) serves to populate the world (Yishuv Olam), reflecting the divine creative will. Although ancient Talmudic jurisprudence (Mishnah Yevamot 6:6) discussed the minimum quantity (the School of Hillel establishes one male and one female), thinkers such as Maimonide (Mishneh Torah, Ishut 15:16) and commentators such as Rashi and Nachmanides elevate the concept beyond a mere legal obligation: generating life is an act of ethical and spiritual cooperation with the Creator. Furthermore, as highlighted by Talmudic debates on the role and dignity of women, tradition widely recognises that family building and the safeguarding of human life rest upon consent, mutual respect, and the protection of the emotional and physical well-being of both partners, avoiding unilateral impositions.