A Unique Situation
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999 12:36:00
Subject: I decided to get the tatoo...
To: [email protected]
I have a medical condition called allopecia aereata which causes loss of
hair. I considered getting a tatoo as a way of replacing my eyebrows
permantly. I talked to more than one rabbi about this. I also prayed and
talked to G-d about this.
I am happy to say I got the tatoo. I feel better about myself. I did not
do this to hurt anybody or go against my religion. I feel I did the right
thing for me--it was ultimately between G-d and myself. I can swim &
"sweat" & not have to worry about make-up coming off. If I feel better about
myself therefore I am a better person & a better Jew.
I understand that as well as not allowing tatoos, piercing is also not
allowed. What about all the religious women with pierced ears?
I do not feel my religious beliefs, my relationship w G-d, or my Jewish
upbringing have been comprimised at all. It was a difficult decision for me
to make but I believe it is what's in your heart & not on your
body that is important.
Hello and thanks for your input!
Your situation is indeed unique and I thought that perhaps the halacha
might have a provision for it. I asked a rabbi and he said that
even in your situation tattoos are forbidden.
I agree with you that what is in your heart is important to G-d.
But we must also know that fulfilling the commandments is also
important to G-d, as is stressed many times in the Torah. Intrerestingly
enough, this principle is mentioned several times in this weeks Torah portion(VaEtchanan).
There is no prohibition against piercing ear lobes, but that is an entirely different subject.
I'd like to thank you again for your input.
All the best.
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