Conservative Judaism/Conversion with tatoo

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Expert: - 11/11/2006


Question
Good Morning my friend,
 Upon my journey in discovering the Jewish people and my hopes of conversion, I have stubbled upon an issue.  I have tatoos and I am completely aware that they are considered unacceptable.  What are my options?

Have a great day,
 Rebecca Olmsted

Answer
Dear Rebecca,

Thanks for writing.

Conservative conversion would not be denied to you because of tatoos, nor would any other status as a Jew in the future. Ultimately that decision will be made by the Rabbi whom you choose to mentor your conversion.

However, were you to ask, I and my colleagues would strongly advocate against getting a tatoo when you still would have none.

Best wishes in your search.

Rabbi Dov

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

Expertise

Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.

Experience

I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)

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