The natural human tendency is to view murder in all its severity. He who sheds the blood of another will not be granted compassion or understanding for his 'difficulties' and 'plight' that caused him to take his life. His name will forever be remembered as someone who committed a crime, for which there is no forgiveness or atonement.
In contrast, an act of suicide is sometimes viewed differently.
Alongside the shock, talk begins about the distress the man was in, the difficulties of his life, his struggles, his inability to bear his suffering, etc. The attitude toward him is more forgiving.
Reverse approach
However, Judaism perceives things completely the opposite way. The attitude towards a "one who loses himself in knowledge" is much more severe than the attitude towards a murderer. The harsh words that are prescribed regarding a suicide are not said about a murderer: "One who loses himself in knowledge - one does not deal with him in any way, nor does one mourn for him, nor does one eulogize him" (Rambam, Laws of Mourning, Chapter 1, Halacha 9).
Although the halachic authorities in subsequent generations tended to be lenient, allowing mourning for the suicide, out of doubt that he might have repented at the last moment and repented, or out of the terrible grief of his family members; the serious things that were said on this matter still show how Judaism views such an act with the utmost severity.
After the flood, God warned Noah and his sons about the prohibition against murder, but before the prohibition against shedding the blood of another is stated, the prohibition against harming oneself appears: "And your blood I will require upon your souls" - "He is the one who kills himself" (Rambam, Laws of Murder and Preservation of Life, Chapter 2, Halacha 3).
The one who loses himself in knowledge is generally someone who has no share in the world to come. There is even a debate among the rabbis about whether it is permissible to say Kaddish over him. One of the reasons for not saying Kaddish is that it will not benefit his soul, after the sin he committed, for which there is no atonement.
The accepted decision is to allow the recitation of Kaddish, mainly so as not to add to the family's suffering, and yet the very discussion is chilling!
This perception stems from the recognition that man is not the master of his life. The thought, "This is my life" is completely contrary to the Jewish faith. The Sages stated, "You live by your own will" – life is not yours and is not in your hands. As long as the Creator gives you life, you must live and fulfill your role in the world, even if it is difficult for you and if you are faced with suffering.
A stupid act
Suicide is a completely stupid act, even from a utilitarian point of view.
This is like a person who runs away from a police officer in an attempt to evade a speeding ticket, and ends up facing trial for reckless driving that caused a fatal accident. This man wanted to be free from some suffering, but he will face trial in the next world and be punished with an indescribably severe punishment.
Thus said the Sages (Avot 4:28): "And let not your necessity assure you that the grave is a house of refuge for you... For your necessity you will have to give an account before the King of kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.".
Sometimes there are difficulties in life, and you have to deal with them, and if necessary, ask for help. Escaping to hell is not an option in any case or situation. And choose life!
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