Question: How big an offense is a tattoo in Reform Judaism?
Dear Rabbi,
I am a reporter with The New York
Times. I am currently working on a story about young Jews who are getting tattoos, even though the traditional Jewish take has been not to get them. I saw an "Ask the Rabbi" question you answered on this topic for About.com, and would like to hear more from you about Jews and Tattoos.
Thanks,
Kate
Answer: Dear Kate,
I was happy to talk with you for your piece in the Times about Jews and tattoos. As I said, in general, tattoos are a fairly mild form of offense to the Jewish prohibition against maiming ones body, based on the verse: "You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:28).
Modern tattoos are nothing more than a small amount of ink just under the surface of the skin -- not much of a gash.
On the other hand, the association between voluntary tattooing and the tattoos that the Nazis placed on the forearms of many of their victims is a hard one to shake for many Jews. I talk to young people who are considering tattoos to think about the associations their tattoos would have in the Jewish community.
Most importantly, though, tattooing is contrary to the sanctity with which Judaism regards the human body. Judaism does not disparage the body and its functions as other traditions do. Traditionally, Jews even make a blessing for using the bathroom as a way of expressing awe for the body's miracles. Judaism regards the body as an image of God that should be treated with the utmost respect. The body should not be turned into a permanent billboard for whatever happens to catch a person's fancy at the moment.
Although I do talk to young people about these concerns, it is my belief that tattooing is a fairly minor violation of the sanctity that Judaism ascribes to the body. I am more concerned about the habits of young people that present real danger to the sanctity of the body -- smoking, excessive drinking and illegal drugs.
I hope this is of help to you.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser
I was happy to talk with you for your piece in the Times about Jews and tattoos. As I said, in general, tattoos are a fairly mild form of offense to the Jewish prohibition against maiming ones body, based on the verse: "You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:28).
Modern tattoos are nothing more than a small amount of ink just under the surface of the skin -- not much of a gash.
On the other hand, the association between voluntary tattooing and the tattoos that the Nazis placed on the forearms of many of their victims is a hard one to shake for many Jews. I talk to young people who are considering tattoos to think about the associations their tattoos would have in the Jewish community.
Most importantly, though, tattooing is contrary to the sanctity with which Judaism regards the human body. Judaism does not disparage the body and its functions as other traditions do. Traditionally, Jews even make a blessing for using the bathroom as a way of expressing awe for the body's miracles. Judaism regards the body as an image of God that should be treated with the utmost respect. The body should not be turned into a permanent billboard for whatever happens to catch a person's fancy at the moment.
Although I do talk to young people about these concerns, it is my belief that tattooing is a fairly minor violation of the sanctity that Judaism ascribes to the body. I am more concerned about the habits of young people that present real danger to the sanctity of the body -- smoking, excessive drinking and illegal drugs.
I hope this is of help to you.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser
