among Jews and it was condemned at regular intervals.* All of this makes it more than clear that the rabbinic literature considered sexuality as more than an instrument for procreation. There were real protests only when sexuality was separated from procreation. This leads us to the topics of procreation and then birth control.
Alongside statements designed to restrain sexual behavior there were others which stressed the purpose of procreation. Clearly a reminder was necessary. The religious duty of procreation was mentioned often in the Talmudic literature. At times a theological argument was made, i.e. without procreation the Divine image would be diminished on earth, both because there would be fewer worshippers and because the pool of souls created by God would remain and so frustrate the fullness of creation.”
Children from Biblical times onward were considered a blessing. The Divine blessing to Abraham in the Agedah along with the other patriarchal tales made this clear. It was most vividly expressed in the tale of Job; riches consist of numerous sons along with large herds and flocks. The rabbinic tradition continued these thoughts. It did not seem necessary to state that the uncertainties of life brought about by famine, disease, and war meant that only a large number of births would assure the survival of some children.
As procreation was seen in such a positive light, the discussions centered about the details. How many children, minimally, were necessary? How many of each sex? Was it mandatory in a second marriage? Could procreation be delayed for economic reasons or by a scholar too busy with studies??* Each of these questions was discussed at length in the early rabbinic literature and amplified in the later codes and responsa. Although a minimum of two children for each family was permitted, this remained the minimal number and there was never any discussion of a maximum.” This group of scholars permitted some of their own to postpone procreation or to avoid it altogether, but economic hardship was not permitted as a factor in not having children.