1) The Gemara suggests that we can't learn from Moshe since he separated of his own volition. However, the Gemara continues to say that Hashem agreed with his choice, so why shouldn't we follow Moshe's opinion?
2) On the other hand, how can we learn from Moshe, he had a unique purpose in separating in that he was regularly visited upon by Hashem, so maybe if not for this factor his obligation to procreate would remain in place?
I noticed that Rashi d"h midaitay addresses this, and writes that "of his own volition" actually means "because of his relationship with Hashem, but this would not apply to other men", but if so I don't know how to read the braisa, as what does it mean that Hashem agreed to him if not that Moshe separated of his own da'as.
Sender Klein, United States
Thank you for your questions!
1) It seems that you yourself gave the answer I would give. If Rashi just hints it, Rabeinu Avraham Min ha'Har says it more clearly, that the Gemara means that Moshe is different because of the reason that he regularly spoke with the Shechinah. This does not mean it was not Moshe's idea. It was his idea, and Hashem agreed, but the reason not to learn from him is not because he did it on his own.
2) If we are correct until now, then what you are suggesting is actually the Gemara's answer. We stiil see that Beis Shamai learns from Moshe. We may suggest that if this was forbidden, speaking to the Shechinah is not a good enough reason to separate from his wife since there is an Isur to do so, and if Moshe still did so, that is a good enough source to learn the law for all people.
Aharon Steiner