Tattoos & Body Piercing
Until legitimate sources have been added for each halacha, please note that the halacha's without sources on this page may be questionable.
The prohibition of tattoos
- It is forbidden to get tattooed.[1]
Body Piercings
- There is no specific prohibition forbidding body piercings. However, if one's health would be affected, they may not be done. [2]
- Men should refrain from getting body piercings.[3]
Body piercing per se is not forbidden. [4] Our matriarch Rebecca not only had her ears pierced, but wore a nose ring as well, which was the custom at that time. (see Genesis 24:22)
In Jewish law, the main determination is whether a particular body piercing is done for a constructive purpose. Excessive body piercing without a constructive purpose is considered making a wound, which the Torah forbids (Deut. 4:9, 15; Code of Jewish Law – C.M. 420:31).
As for men, if we're talking about a society where men also pierce their ears or other parts of their body for beauty, it is permitted – see "Rashi" Exodus 32:2.[5] If, however, it is common for only women to pierce, but not for men, it is forbidden to don a woman's attire or jewelry, and therefore is not allowed. (Code of Jewish Law – Y.D. 182:1)
But the real question is why you want it: If it's to be fashionable and "in," know that there are many people walking around today who regret having done things in their youth that cannot be undone. Is it a call for attention? I think there are more constructive ways to express yourself than to make permanent marks on your body.[6] In terms of your own personal growth and development, the piercing is probably not a very good idea, since it may mean identifying with a certain strata of society who may not best represent your own goals and values.[7]
Unfortunately in today's society, kids have simply no limits and you must therefore try to set a boundary for yourself. Since you are going to have to draw the line somewhere, it may as well be here.[8]
By the way, there is a Jewish stigma to male ear piercing, since this was a Biblical sign of a slave who wasn't interested in going free. (see Exodus 21:6)
Sources
- ↑ Vayikra 19:28, Makot 21a; see Rashi. One is not chayav unless there is both writing and engraving. Pouring ash on a wound is also forbidden because it looks like a tattoo even though there is no writing or engraving(Makot 21a).
- ↑ EVERY HALACHA ON HALACHIPEDIA STRICTLY REQUIRES A SOURCE. PLEASE ADD SOURCE HERE, OTHERWISE THIS HALACHA WILL BE REMOVED.There are references in the Torah regarding piercings among both men & women with no specific objection; however, should one's health become compromised as a result, we are to stay away due to the obligation to care for our bodies. However, there is a Tannaic discussion regarding whether or not one may harm oneself. It comes out in the Gemara that one may not harm oneself but if one did so, they would be exempt from lashes(since there's no explicit prohibition). The prohibition against harming oneself is only when it's unnecessary; for health reasons, it's permitted.
- ↑ EVERY HALACHA ON HALACHIPEDIA STRICTLY REQUIRES A SOURCE. PLEASE ADD SOURCE HERE, OTHERWISE THIS HALACHA WILL BE REMOVED.
- ↑ EVERY HALACHA ON HALACHIPEDIA STRICTLY REQUIRES A SOURCE. PLEASE ADD SOURCE HERE, OTHERWISE THIS HALACHA WILL BE REMOVED.
- ↑ LACKING A HALACHIC SOURCE
- ↑ EVERY HALACHA ON HALACHIPEDIA STRICTLY REQUIRES A SOURCE. PLEASE ADD SOURCE HERE, OTHERWISE THIS HALACHA WILL BE REMOVED.
- ↑ EVERY HALACHA ON HALACHIPEDIA STRICTLY REQUIRES A SOURCE. PLEASE ADD SOURCE HERE, OTHERWISE THIS HALACHA WILL BE REMOVED.
- ↑ EVERY HALACHA ON HALACHIPEDIA STRICTLY REQUIRES A SOURCE. PLEASE ADD SOURCE HERE, OTHERWISE THIS HALACHA WILL BE REMOVED.
