Natives in Ecuador's Amazon Rainforest use the juice of a local fruit to make temporary tattoos similar to henna tattoos
Tattoos are growing in popularity today and many young people want them, as a way to “express themselves.” Most Jewish people know about the Jewish taboo against tattoos but don’t understand it and even feel like a “Jewish” tattoo could connect them more with G-d.
But is this really true? Can a tattoo really connect you closer to Hashem (G-d)?
Many practices in Judaism are forbidden because they are associated with paganism and idol-worship: two of the biggest sins a Jew can commit. Maimonides, otherwise known as the Rambam, was a famous 12th century scholar of Jewish law and thought, who is one of the most respected commentators on the Torah and its laws. He explains that tattoos are forbidden because they are related to pagan rites. Pagans and idol worshipers used to use tattoos as ways of connecting to their “gods.” Hashem declared this practice is not how we are supposed to worship Him.
People deciding they want to use tattoos to feel “closer” to G-d is the result of emotions only. They may “feel” closer – but it actually brings them further from G-d.
So what is someone to do when they want a tattoo but also want to feel close to Hashem? There is a solution: Temporary tattoos! And I’m not talking about the ones you used to rub on your arm as a kid – I’m talking about the ancient and popular practice of henna tattooing.
In my travels, I have found temporary tattoos to be a popular alternative almost everywhere I’ve visited. In India and Nepal, henna tattoos are very common and extremely popular with the tourists. In the US, you can sit on any beach or stroll along any boardwalk and someone is bound to offer to do a henna tattoo for you. Even in the Amazon Rainforest, the local natives offered to give me a tattoo using the juice of a local fruit! Maybe during your travels you’ve seen henna tattoos and wondered if you’re allowed to get them – and you are!
Henna tattoos are permitted in Judaism because they disappear after 2-3 weeks. They’re not permanent and do not involve cutting the skin at all. Yet, they are popular and attractive, giving the impression of having a real tattoo – but it is one you can change whenever you you’d like. They’re a great solution to the problem of tattoos in Judaism!
11 Responses to “Permitted Tattoos”
Fascinating post! I wish more people took the Torah prohibition against tattooing seriously.
I’m not familiar w/the background of henna. Does it have pagan origins, and halakically speaking, are the origins important to determining whether something is ‘pagan’ or would would one look at the modern usage of henna to make that determination?
From what I understand, the henna has been used for many centuries in rituals associated with war, religious services, and coming-of-age ceremonies. Unlike permanent tattoos that involve cutting the skin, henna’s temporary nature meant that it could be used in many more capacities by ancient societies. Ancient Egyptians used it for its medical properties. Ancient (pagan) Canaanite warriors used it to celebrate victories. Certain groups of Muslims use it as part of a coming-of-age ceremony. Hindus use it as part of weddings and religious ceremonies. Iranians (Muslims) of a few hundred years ago used it to show social rank. And many, many people throughout history have used henna simply for aesthetics, to make themselves more beautiful. Henna is traditionally used in both Jewish and Muslim ceremonies from areas where it is native almost as far back as records on henna usage go (at least as much as I’ve been able to find!), which means that its usage has been at least as linked historically with monotheism as with pantheism. Moroccan Muslims seem to use it as part of a coming-of-age ceremony during circumcision rituals, while Sephardi Jewish women traditionally have a “henna party” just before their weddings. In fact, Rashi even states that henna flowers in scripture are a metaphor for forgiveness and absolution. (This make especial sense since Rashi was famous in his day for his wine production and henna bushes were used to protect the sensitive vineyards, thereby acting as a loving and protecting force.) Although today many people associate henna use with Hindus and paganism, its use in monotheistic societies has been around at least as long and is still in active use today.
Origins are extremely important in Judaism, which is why one cannot say, for instance, “Well, most henna today is used by pagans, so it should be forbidden, while most tattoo guns are used by Christians, so it should be permitted.” Although certain practices may be permitted or forbidden in Torah Judaism based on current societal norms (piercings, for example, are generally considered “immodest” – however, some are traditionally allowed, like nose rings and earrings, while others may be allowed depending on whether it’s common in the society, such as multiple earrings). With tattoos, however, there is a specific biblical injunction against them – but these tattoos are specifically described by the process by which they are applied (i.e., piercing the skin and injecting ink). As with everything in Torah, it is said that there are 70 explanations for each thing, so the explanation of tattoos being forbidden because of their pagan origins is only one piece of the puzzle.
I had no idea that there was any Jewish tradition regarding henna.
Toda Rebbetzin Rachel ;o)
Interesting blogue. I have a question though. When people get tattoos for non-religious reasons, do you think they are really expressing themselves or are they perhaps conforming with a “tattooed culture?” I always had that question about tattoos and pierces. Let me know what you think
-STG
I think it really depends on the individual. Often people think they are expressing themselves when what they are really doing is conforming. It’s not just tattoos, though, you can also see this in clothing fashions, hairstyles, the kinds of cards people choose to buy, and all manner of other aspects of life.
Sometimes I think people do get a tattoo just for their own reasons, and usually these are the people who get a tattoo that maybe isn’t in such a noticeable place. But a lot of times, people will get tattoos because they want other people to see them and ask about it. Or they want the attention it gets. Or they just want to fit in. People do things like that for all sorts of reasons.
Most people I’ve spoken to say its to fit in. Although I did find someone that claims he feels closer to God with this. and for the life of me I don’t understand it.
I just found this by Rabbi Apple on http://www.oztorah.com/2012/01/burial-with-tattoos-ask-the-rabbi/
Rabbi Apple was the Rabbi at the Great Synagogue when I worked there as youth director and I grew accustomed to reading his weekly Torah thought on Oz Torah.
From Rabbi Apple:
Burial with tattoos – Ask the Rabbi
Q. Is it true that a person who has tattoos can’t have a Jewish funeral?
A. This is an urban myth that I have been hearing for years.
It is certainly the case that according to the Torah, a person should not have tattoos made in his or her skin (Lev.19:28), but tattoos do not prevent a Jewish burial. When recently asked whether a person with a tattoo could have a Jewish burial, I answered, “Only if they were dead!”
Obviously an obscene or idolatrous tattoo can be a great embarrassment while the person is still alive and every reasonable means should be sought to remove it. At the very least it should, if retained, be kept covered up by your clothing.
All this shows how important it is not to get involved with tattoos from the start. In a sense it is a reflection of the verse in the Ten Commandments about visiting the sins of the fathers on the children; in this case it is the actions of a person at one stage in their life affecting them in later years. There’s a good rule of prudence not to do something today that you might regret tomorrow
These days nothing can probably be said to be sure, except death and taxes.
High achievement always occurs inside framework of high expectation.