A vital issue

I read with interest your article “Rabbis frown on assisted suicide legislation” (Dec. 13). It truly reflects the traditional Jewish attitude towards this issue. I also applaud the comments of my rabbinic and chaplaincy friends and colleagues who each in his/her own way clarified the rabbinic sources and Jewish values in question.

The only difference I have with the article is the title. We don’t “frown” upon assisted suicide, we strongly condemn it.

It is a major difference between removing impediments to dying from a patient whose death is imminent and actively assisting in his/her dying.

Thank you for bringing this vital issue to the attention of your readers.

Rabbi David Glicksman
Director of Pastoral Services
Central New Jersey Jewish Home for the Aged
Somerset