We all know as Jews we are not allowed to get tattoos. What I always find interesting is when more secular Jews get tattoos they often get tattoos that have a Jewish theme. I have seen Hebrew names as tattoos as well as phrases from prayer like L'olam Vaed- forever and ever. It always makes me laugh. Not only do they have tattoos but they make a profoundly non-Jewish ritual very Jewy. I guess that some aren't even aware that they are not supposed to get tattoos so for them they are just trying to connect it to their Jewish selves. It still makes me chuckle.
5 comments:
I've seen that too, like the former "biker chick" with a big magen david over her upper breast (yep, she wore the right kind of shirt in shul). I once saw a series of pictures showing a Jewish biker group in Florida all heavily tattoo'd with Jewish imagery including the guy with the four leter Divine name on his forehead. Idiot! Now you can never walk into a bathroom ever again without wearing a toque pulled down low!
I think it's perfectly fine for secular Jews to get a Jewish tattoo if they feel that this connects them to Judaism, on any level. And most everybody knows tattoos are forbidden in Judaism, but so are many other things that some people don't feel the need to follow. People are entitled to make their personal decisions, and that doesn't make them dumb, or silly, or laughable. I don't think it's helpful to laugh at each other, we are still all the same tribe. We should support one another instead of feeling superior, which is a feeling that can be found on both sides and only manages to create more separation rather than a feeling of belonging.
Cherut- I see your point, but the law not to have tattoos for Jews is so strong that secular Jews are very aware of it. I actually had this discussion with a co-worker of mine who is a secular Jew and she also find it interesting and humorous that her sister has a tattoo and it is a popular Jewish/Hebrew word.
Frum female, I should have added that I do see your point as well, and I have been struggling with and trying to withhold judgment on the issue. It's a tough one.
I'm a little late here, but let me make this very clear. I myself have tattoos and growing up secular with no real Judaism has its effects. We are considered as kidnapped children. To laugh at, make fun of or anything else like this towards someone with tattoos who is now made t'shuvah is not only unjewish but shows a lack of understanding. You don't think it's hard enough on us? Everytime I'm at the mikvah or going on dates? I'm glad that you find us entertaining and I can assure you that if you had the slightest idea of where some of us came from maybe your outlook would change.
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