Judaism and Ink… Oy Vey!

I started inking at a very young age..I wasn’t your typical defiant teen.. I had amazing marks, socially concious and attending university before graduating high school. I did however, love art and loved the idea of tattooing. There was just one problem.. it was forbidden .. not by my parents but my religion.. (not that my parents were joyed by them)

For those of your that weren’t aware here is the rule and explinations for the “no ink”
Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not etch a tattoo on yourselves.” This prohibition applies to all tattoos besides those made for medical purposes, such as to guide a surgeon making an incision.

several explanations for this prohibition are
“The human body is G‑d’s creation, and it is therefore unbefitting to mutilate G‑d’s handiwork. It is especially unbefitting for members of G‑d’s chosen nation to mutilate their bodies. One must believe that G‑d, the greatest artisan of all, formed him or her in the most fitting way, and one must not change this form. Changing one’s body (unless it is for health reasons) is tantamount to insulting G‑d’s handiwork
…..In ancient times, it was customary for idol-worshippers to tattoo themselves as a sign of commitment to their deity—much like an animal that is branded by its owner. On many occasions the Torah forbids practices that emulate pagan customs, considering that following their traditions is the first step towards subscribing to their idolatrous beliefs and services.”

3. The covenant of circumcision is unique in its being a sign in our bodies of our relationship with G‑d. Making other signs in one’s body would weaken and cheapen this special sign…

Now, I fully understand that G-d is our creator but, I just wasn’t all that impressed with the white walls and frankly how would he know it is me when I get up there.. I don’t want to look like everyone else, I want to tell a story..I want to express my artisitic side.. I must note that I drew and created all my tattoos and only one person completed all the work.

I never really cared what people thought of the tattoos despite having many people shun or make horrific comments to me.. Why strangers needs to say anything at all is beyond me.. I actually had an old lady tell me that I would never find a husband looking like that… I explained that I wasnt looking for a husband and if he couldnt accept me… then he didnt deserve me.. Not sure if she liked that response.

Actually.. I may have lied.. I did have a momment where I did care… I had gotten a tattoo on my leg and a good friend.. someone I had respected and still respect had said they couldnt believe that I did that.. or that I may regret it someday.. that was really the only time I ever thought twice about any of my art.. It was the only time in my whole life I wondered what the hell have I done.. (true story) I eventually got over the fear and the respect still remains

I continued on for many years adding more ink and probably wont every stop, I have lots to say and love to decorate with my art.. I respect the Jewish law and study it daily but, we all have our vices and this is mine. I just couldnt live with the white walls and I know that I will be able to make up for my short comings in other ways..

I hope this sheds some light on living as a jewish girl in a tattoo world