The aversion to tattoos within the Jewish community is deeply rooted. Even among secular Jews, the strong taboo against body ink persists, influenced by the tattooing of concentration camp victims during the Holocaust and the idea that tattooed Jews cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery. As tattooing has grown increasingly mainstream in recent years, some Jews have even embraced it as a way to honor ancestors tattooed by the Nazis.

Tattoos and other taboos

While the taboo of tattoos may be responsible for decades of confusion, it’s not the only Jewish taboo people have questions about.

“There are 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah, but not all Jewish taboos are based on Jewish law,” said Rabbi Amy Feder of Congregation Temple Israel. Tattoos, cremation, interfaith marriage and substance abuse are other subjects we struggle to understand.”

Understanding the roots and reasons behind many of the things “Jews just don’t do” and finding out just how taboo – or not — they are is the idea behind a new event hosted by the synagogue.

“Both Jews and non-Jews ask us questions all the time about what the “Jewish” thing to do is in certain situations,” said Feder. “Whether it’s how to vote on certain issues or what the customs are connected to acts of everyday life like eating and drinking. People either only know half the answer or they’re making incorrect assumptions.”

To bridge that gap in understanding, Feder and TI Rabbi Michael Alper are hosting “Jews, Tattoos And Other Taboos,” a two-session discussion open to all.

The 90-minute sessions will be held on Sunday, Jan. 21 and Feb. 11 from 9:45 am. to 11:15 a.m. at Temple Israel. The purpose is to shine a light on these difficult questions and answer them publicly.

“Judaism is all about making decisions based on centuries of learning and commentary, so any modern discussion must be rooted in our history,” said Alper. “Questions about things like tattoos, cremation, abortion, censorship, all of the things that seem new and potentially taboo today have been discussed by the rabbis of our past for hundreds, even thousands of years, so it’s exciting to share where our modern perspectives originated and how they developed.”

Jews, Tattoos and Other Taboos

When: Sunday, Jan. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 11 from 9:45 am. to 11:15 a.m.
Where: Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive
Cost: You do not need to be a member of Temple Israel to attend these sessions, but there is a cost of $18 for non-TI members. The sessions are free for members.
Registration: Click here to register for the sessions, or for more information or to register by phone 314-432-8050.

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