[Avodah] assisted suicide

[Rich, Joel]

R' Joel Rich,in response to posts from R"n Toby Katz, wrote:
> ... we know in certain circumstances one can pray for one or another's

> death - why isn't this called hastening? ...
> In fact couldn't one argue that the prayer to the creator is more 
> effective and thus more of a life shortner?

When one prays for a death, he is merely expressing his desires, and
making a request, to Hashem. But it is Hashem Who will make the decision
and carry it out. In contrast, when one does an act, he is essentially
forcing Hashem's hand, because Hashem's only choices will be between
having the person die, or doing a miracle of some sort.
=====================================
Any more "miraculous" then someone dieing earlier than he should have
due to prayer?  What if the physician set a machine in motion that had a
50/50 chance of killing the patient and said now it's up to Hashem?

KT
Joel Rich
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