Tattoos

Question

Why is Judiasm against having tattoos? Is it taken really seriously among the majority of jews, and are there any consequences of having one? Also, whats your opinion?

Answer

G-d created us, all of humankind, with perfection. Each individual was created with his or her own personal physical reality, which reflects his or her own personal spiritual reality. The only time that we are allowed to alter that is for the commandment of the bris milah, the ritual circumcision. That is allowed because of G-d’s command that we should take a specific part in the act of creation. That is why it is on the 8th day of the child’s life. The number “8” reflects that which is beyond nature, as G-d created the world in 7 days. Making “corrections” to our being or artistic additions is a slap to The Creator. It is like saying that I will improve my body by adding this art. While the art might be beautiful and express an individual’s internal feelings and emotions this form of expression does not belong on the body.

This is a fairly strong concept in Jewish thought. It is taken very seriously in most traditional Jewish circles and one should contemplate a great deal about their personal motives before performing the act of getting a tattoo. This whole idea comes from a verse in the Torah that tells us to guard our bodies because they are holy. We are also told to be holy and to emulate G-d. He created us with love. By tattooing our bodies we are not responding with love to Our Creator. I hope this helps.

Be Well, Rabbi Litt

Thanks for the reply, Is it true that if you have a tattoo you wont be buried in a Jewish cemetary? Is that only under the orthodox? thanks

Hi, Thanks for writing back. Having a tattoo does not invalidate a person from being buried in a Jewish cemetery. The only thing that does is suicide. For those that commit suicide most cemeteries have a section where they bury people who fall into that category. The fact that tattoos do not invalidate a person from being buried in a cemetery should have no bearing, however, on getting one. Before a person decides to go and get a tattoo they should spend a great deal of time contemplating why they feel the need to get one. I hope that this helps.

Be Well, Rabbi Litt

Follow-up questions (4)

Question

If we are not allowed to alter our body after circumcision, why is it fine to have one’s ears pierced?

Answer

Good question! The concept of not tattooing our bodies stems from the idea that we should not do something that is harmful to our bodies to destroy that which we were given or alter its appearance. Earrings and the like are considered a “social norm” that is not making major alterations to the appearance of the body. You see in the Torah that women of that time wore nose rings and earrings that that was acceptable and the social norm of that time. Tattoos are not the “social norm,” but rather a symbol of social rebellion on some level. Some look at it as art, but a person does not get a tattoo generally because they love the artistry of tattooing. If earrings would be taboo in our society then that too would not be permitted, but something that is accepted in our society as a social norm and it is not “severely damaging” or a permanent scar on the body is permitted. I am not sure that any other body piercings other than the ears would be permissible today, as those who pierce their eyelids, lips, tongues, etc are seen as rebels, not the norm by society in general. It is a subjective thing, but the concepts are consistent. I hope this helps clarify the issues.

Be Well,
Rabbi Litt

Question

What about the six million that were tatooed with numbers. We all know it was done by force without consent by any individual.

Answer

Of course they are not held liable for something that they are forced to do. It would be ridiculous to say that they would be.

Be Well,
Rabbi Litt

Question

Doesn’t the Torah forbid piercing the body? I can’t remember where I read it but remember explicitly reading it. Why would a Torah observant Jew even consider a tattoo or any kind of piercing? It would be a different situation if one was non observant, had his body tattooed or ears pierced then found out that it was against God’s law and stopped such action-don’t you think?

Answer

You are right. There is no reason why anyone who has a concept of the greatness and truth of Torah would ever get a tattoo or “non-standard” piercings. It boggles my mind as well and it sounds like you have your priorities in the right place.

Be Well,
Rabbi Litt

Question

Can you comment on a person, who at the time of getting a tattoo was not Torah observant, but has since turned back and is now learning to be Torah observant?

Answer

A person can repent for any wrongdoing, even a tattoo. I think you will find that the Orthodox community will be understanding of the challenges the person went through prior to becoming Orthodox and will welcome the person even though he or she may be tattooed.