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Why are Tattoos taboo in Judaism?

In today’s world, tattoos are more popular than ever, with people getting inked to express themselves, commemorate life events, or just for the art. But in Judaism, tattoos have long been considered taboo. You might have heard that if you get a tattoo, you can’t be buried in a Jewish cemetery (which isn’t entirely true). So why does Judaism have a thing about tattoos? Let’s break it down.

The Torah’s Take

The primary reason tattoos are seen as a no-go in Judaism comes straight from the Torah. In Leviticus 19:28, it says, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, nor incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.” This verse is interpreted as a direct commandment against tattooing. The reason behind this prohibition is tied to practices in ancient times when non-Jewish cultures used tattoos for idol worship or as marks of mourning for the dead. Judaism wanted to set itself apart, focusing on the body as a sacred creation from God.

Rabbi Moses Maimonides, one of the greatest Jewish scholars, explained that tattoos were forbidden because they were part of pagan worship (Mishneh Torah, Avodah Zarah 12:11). For Judaism, the body is viewed as a gift from God, and we are expected to keep it holy and whole.

Respecting the Body as Sacred

In Judaism, the body is not just a vessel to carry us through life—it’s seen as something sacred. Just like we respect sacred spaces, like synagogues, Judaism teaches that we should treat our bodies with a similar level of care. Getting a tattoo might be seen as altering or damaging something that God created perfectly. The idea is that since we’re created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we should honor and protect that image.

What About Holocaust Tattoos?

Another sensitive layer to this issue is the connection between tattoos and the Holocaust. Many Jews who were imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps were forcibly tattooed with numbers as part of the dehumanization process. For some, tattoos can bring up painful memories of this chapter in Jewish history. While this isn’t the reason for the prohibition, it adds a cultural and emotional weight for many in the Jewish community.

The Myth About Jewish Cemeteries

You might have heard that Jews with tattoos can’t be buried in a Jewish cemetery. This is actually a misconception. While tattoos are discouraged, having one does not ban someone from a Jewish burial. The belief likely stems from the general Jewish value of keeping the body whole and unmarked, even after death. But Jewish law doesn’t deny burial to someone just because they have tattoos.

Modern Takes

In today’s world, many Jews—especially younger generations—are rethinking traditional views on tattoos. Some get tattoos that connect to their Jewish identity, like a Star of David or a Hebrew phrase, while others may not see the prohibition as relevant to their personal beliefs.

That said, more observant Jewish communities still take the Torah’s commandment seriously and avoid tattoos as part of their commitment to Jewish law. For those looking to live by these values, avoiding tattoos is a way to honor the tradition of keeping the body sacred and whole.

To Go Deeper click here for an NCSY source sheet titled “What is the deal with Tattoos”?

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