Daily Mitzvah (Rambam)

The 212th mitzvah is that we are commanded to be fruitful and to multiply, and to have the intention of perpetuating the species. This is known as the mitzvah of pirya v'rivya (be fruitful and multiply).

The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1 (exalted be He), "Be fruitful and multiply."

Our Sages2 have explained that a groom who has wed a virgin is exempt from the mitzvah of reciting the Shema3 [before consummating the marriage]; and have given the reason that he is "occupied with a mitzvah."4

The details of this mitzvah and its obligations are found in the sixth chapter of Yevamos.5

Women are exempt from this mitzvah, as our Sages said explicitly,6 "Men have the obligation to be fruitful and multiply, not women."7

Footnotes

1.

Gen. 1:28. 9:7. See Heller, note 6. Kapach 5731, note 6.

2.

Berachos 16a.

3.

See P10.

4.

From this expression, we see that this is a mitzvah, and therefore is included in the count of 613.

5.

61b.

6.

Yevamos 65b.

7.

Although women are not obligated in this mitzvah, when they bear children, they nevertheless receive the special reward associated with this special mitzvah just as the man. See Ran, Kiddushin, Ch. 2.; Likkutei Sichos, 8:214. 14:41-42.