I’ve always known, and have never question, the Jewish prohibition of tattoos. Although I’m sure I learned it in school (I went to conservative Jewish day-school for 12 years), when I thought about writing about “tattoos and Judaism” for my essay, I couldn’t remember the exact foundational text upon which Rabbinic scholars developed the prohibitions against tattooing. My google-searching brought me to Leviticus 19:28 which says: “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.”
There are numerous explanations (as there always is in Judaism) for why this commandment exists in the first place. One reasoning, and the one I most often hear, is that this commandment was meant to disassociate and distinguish Judaism from other religions, specifically paganism, since it was common practice for ancient pagan worshippers to tattoo themselves with religious iconography and names of gods. Another explanation, which brings back vague memories of fifth grade Bible class, relates to the Jewish idea that all humans were created B’Tzelem Elohim (in the image of God). We were created as a gift from God, and the human body is a holy vessel, so we are expected to care for our bodies and treat them preciously, which forbids certain actions including tattooing.
Obviously I do not believe in 100% of what the Bible says. Not even somewhere close to 100%. Nor do I take the Bible as literal translations and commandments to be applied to my modern day life. Even though I’m culturally very Jewish and religiously as well, there are certain Jewish laws that I just don’t think are important to my identification as a Jew. For example, I’ll eat pork and shellfish because I don’t think these Kashrut laws make me any more or less Jewish, and I’m not sure I necessarily believe in God. However, for some odd reason, this “tattooing” law speaks to me, and despite the number of cheeseburgers I’ve eaten, I feel obligated not to tattoo myself.
…Even though I really want to. In fact, I want to get a tattoo of a Jewish symbol, the hamsa (or hand), which is a Jewish good-luck symbol that isn’t necessarily associated with specifically religious connotations (although the five fingers are sometimes interpreted as the five books of the bible) but more so with Israeli, Jewish culture pride. It is a kabbalistic amulet and an important symbol in Jewish art. I wear a hamsa around my neck every day, one that I bought in Jerusalem, my second home, but I so badly want to get it inked into my skin, into my flesh so I will be reminded of my Judaism every day of my life. I also like to be rebellious. And the irony in a tattooing a Jewish symbol to my body is rich and thrilling.
But I know I won’t do it because of this law. Call me a hypocrite, fine, since I eat shrimp and drive my car on Saturdays, but I don’t think I can go through with it.
I do think that it’s fascinating though that tattoos are unique in that the evidence of your “transgression” remains on the body after death.
Bres
