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a hole in the male organ. In response to the question as to such a
serious prohibition is permitted several answers are given:

1. Only “destructive” [i.e. wasteful, serving no constructive purpose]
emission of semen is forbidden. 2. Emission of semen is permitted in
order to fulfill the mitzvah of procreation. 3. It is permitted on a one-
time, coincidental basis. 4. There is no prohibition of emitting semen
that is not capable of siring children. 5. It is preferable to violate the
prohibition of emitting semen once, if this will prevent many sins in
the future.

2. Logic of the poskim who permit emission of semen for medical
testing:

1. It is not being done in a destructive manner and it is also for
the sake of a mitzvah and for maintaining domestic harmony. 2. It is
permitted to enable fulfillment of the mitzvah of procreation. 3. On
a one-time basis, for medical testing and not for indulging one’s lust
it is permitted (Zekan Aharon). 4. If it is clear that the infertility of
the husband’s sperm is responsible for the couple’s inability to have
children, it is allowed.

3. The logic of the poskim who prohibit emission of semen for med-
ical testing:

Even in the above scenarios some of our teachers still prohibit
emitting semen, because:

1. The physicians’ conclusions are based on their uncertain knowl-
edge, whereas the prohibition is certain. 2. Even when there is a clear
determination, the prohibition is definite whereas the benefit of test-
ing is unclear.

4. Conditions for allowing the emission of semen according to
those who permit it:

1. Several years of infertility must have already passed, though
opinion differs over how many years. Some say ten years, the Igros

22 1 Medical-Halachic Responsa of Rav Zilberstein