Tattoos, body art and cosmetic surgery

[brucegdc]

{Regarding tattoos and Jewish burial}Yet another myth:


http://urj.org/ask/tattoos/
Despite the persistence of a myth to the contrary, a tattoo is not one of those offenses. There is no prohibition against burying someone with a tattoo in the Jewish cemetery. (Reform Judaism website)

http://www.aish.com/rabbi/ATR_browse.asp?l=t&offset=4
Regarding your column last week about the Torah prohibiting tattoos: I have a tattoo on my left arm from the German Auschwitz camp, and I will be buried with this I think.

THE AISH RABBI REPLIES:
Actually, anyone with a tattoo may be buried in a Jewish cemetery. But certainly in your case, the tattoo itself is not a Torah prohibition, since it was done under coercion.

http://www.torah.org/qanda/seequanda.php?id=184 (Orthodox site)

It is not prohibited to bury someone who has tattoos or body piercings in a Jewish cemetery. Although the Torah prohibits making a permanent tattoo on one's body (VaYikra 19:28), doing so does not disqualify one from burial in a Jewish cemetery. Body piercing or mutilation is prohibited only in grief over a deceased friend or relative (as is common in some cultures), or if it is done to emulate a non-Jewish custom. In any case, it does not disqualify a person from burial in a Jewish cemetery.
Deliberate, permanent disfigurement of the body would also be prohibited. But such practices as ear piercing and cosmetic surgery (e.g., elective rhinoplasty) are not prohibited. The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to make the body more beautiful not to disfigure it.

[PistisSophia]

Originally Posted by THUNK

So much for forgiveness and understanding.

If one wants to be a cafeteria Catholic or a Smorgasbord Jew, so be it; I've seen such things in Jewish cemeteries. Do I agree with it? Suicide must always be treated as an act which is never condoned. Suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem.

Tatoo's, I don't plan on getting any but I personally see no harm in the practice, so long as everything is sterile, I suppose, when the item is being applied.

[Chezz]

i have no problem in tattoos, but i wouldnt go as far as "body modification" (ie. metal implants...) or piercings. as a matter of fact i have some ink myself and are probably goin in for another one soon.

my next one is going to be something like what my avatar is , but im goin to re-do it a little bit.