Suicide, Halakha and Practice: From Sin to Understanding and Compassion

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by Rabbi Marianne Novak

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Rabbi Marianne Novak reflects on suicide through the lens of halakha, tracing a shift from viewing it solely as a sin toward a more compassionate and nuanced understanding. Written in memory of her daughter, Batsheva Chaya Stadlan z”l, on her 9th yahrzeit, the article invites a conversation rooted in empathy, mental health awareness, and human dignity.

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Rabbi Novak

Rabbi Marianne Novak is a Jewish educator and communal leader who has taught for the Florence Melton School, Rochelle Zell Jewish High School, and many Jewish organizations. She currently serves as Rabbi and Judaic Studies faculty at Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School in Chicago and is part of the Jewish Learning Collab and A Mitzvah to Eat.