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Tattoos & Body Piercing: Difference between revisions
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# Men should refrain from getting body piercings.<REF>{{NoSource}}</REF> | # Men should refrain from getting body piercings.<REF>{{NoSource}}</REF> | ||
Body piercing per se is not forbidden. <ref>{{NoSource}}</ref> 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) | 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. 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) | 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.<ref>LACKING A HALACHIC SOURCE</ref> 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.<ref>{{NoSource}}</ref> | |||
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.<ref>{{NoSource}}</ref> | |||
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.<ref>{{NoSource}}</ref> | |||
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. | |||
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) | 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== | |||
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