Tattoos & Body Piercing

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Revision as of 08:29, 10 May 2013 by Nisan (talk | contribs) (Added to source #1 in section 2.)

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

  1. It is forbidden to get tattooed.[1]

Body Piercings

  1. There is no specific prohibition forbidding body piercings. However, if one's health would be affected, they may not be done. [2]
  2. Men should refrain from getting body piercings.[3]

Sources

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. EVERY HALACHA ON HALACHIPEDIA STRICTLY REQUIRES A SOURCE. PLEASE ADD SOURCE HERE, OTHERWISE THIS HALACHA WILL BE REMOVED.