Suicide? Ask your family.
During the calamitous stock-market crash of 1929, Rabbi Stephen Wise was paid a visit from one of his congregation members, who told him a tragic tale of a complete financial disaster. The man was penniless and said that the only thing he could do now for his family was to commit suicide and leave them the insurance money. He asked Rabbi Wise’s advice.
“My dear man,” said the Rabbi, “I know exactly how you feel, and here is my advice. Call a family council of your wife and children, and lay your plan before them. If they dissuade you from taking this step, there is no reason why you should destroy yourself, seeing that they would rather have you than your insurance. If, on the other hand, they approve of your design, I would go on living just to spite them. Surely you wouldn’t want to sacrifice your life for such a family.”