Why do Orthodox Jews generally discourage contraception?

Orthodox Jews see having children as a mitzvah and a blessing from God. Contraception is allowed mainly for health reasons, with a rabbi's guidance.

What is meant by “wasting seed”, and how does it affect Orthodox views on contraception?

Jewish law forbids destroying male seed, based on the story of Onan in Genesis 38. Orthodox rabbis therefore prefer the pill to condoms when contraception is allowed.

When might an Orthodox rabbi permit contraception?

A rabbi may permit contraception if pregnancy would endanger a woman's physical or mental health. Contraception may also be allowed to space births once a couple has children.

Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B 1RB0

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Judaism: Marriage and the Family

Jewish attitudes to contraception and family planning

3 things to know
Paper 1

Overview

Talmud Yevamot 61b and the schools of Shammai and Hillel, wasting seed, when an Orthodox rabbi may permit contraception, Reform and Liberal views, a duty to have children after the Holocaust, and situation ethics.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What does Talmud Yevamot 61b teach about the duty to have children?

Key term

How did the schools of Shammai and Hillel differ in Yevamot 61b?

Key term

What does family planning mean for a Jewish couple?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What does Talmud Yevamot 61b teach about the duty to have children?
Model answer
Yevamot 61b teaches that a man must not neglect the duty to have children. The duty is fulfilled once he has at least one son and one daughter.
2
How did the schools of Shammai and Hillel differ in Yevamot 61b?
Model answer
The school of Shammai said a man must have two sons. The school of Hillel said one son and one daughter, and Jewish law follows Hillel.
3
What does family planning mean for a Jewish couple?
Model answer
Family planning means deciding when to have children and how many, usually by using contraception. Jewish couples weigh this against the mitzvah to have children.
4
Why do Orthodox Jews generally discourage contraception?
Model answer
Orthodox Jews see having children as a mitzvah and a blessing from God. Contraception is allowed mainly for health reasons, with a rabbi's guidance.
5
What is meant by “wasting seed”, and how does it affect Orthodox views on contraception?
Model answer
Jewish law forbids destroying male seed, based on the story of Onan in Genesis 38. Orthodox rabbis therefore prefer the pill to condoms when contraception is allowed.
6
When might an Orthodox rabbi permit contraception?
Model answer
A rabbi may permit contraception if pregnancy would endanger a woman's physical or mental health. Contraception may also be allowed to space births once a couple has children.

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