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Conservative Judaism/Gentile Conversion - Tattoos

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Expert: - 4/21/2005


Question
I am a 25 year old gentile who has started self-study for conversion to the Conservative Movement. Once I feel I have studied enough, I will seek out a local Rabbi to help me finish my conversion.  My question is, I know that Jews are not allowed to be tattooed, however I have several so far and would like a few more.  What are the laws regarding tattoos on Jews and anything special related to genitle conversion with tattoos.  Thanks so much!  After MANY years of searching I believe Conservative Judaism is where my faith rests and I want to do everything I can in accordiance with the Jewish laws.  

Answer
Dear Darci,

Thanks for writing and my best wishes for Pesah.

Regarding tattoos, while after the fact there is no consequence, before the fact they are extremely discouraged. We are to treat our body respectfully.

In that vein, my experience has been that in spite of what is called "sterile" it often isn't so, and there are too many disease with which to start up today that are life-threatening. In that sense, Jewish law from my point of view would be opposed even more vehemently.

Lastly, please please take my advice. Study about Judaism is not something you can do on your own. Find and meet with a Rabbi, if only to develop a curriculum and reading list. You are young and have many years ahead of you. While a year's study in a program with a Rabbi may be sufficient for the actual conversion, it will continue to be a life-long experience as a Jew to continue studying.

If there is no Rabbi nearby, please let me know how I can help you to find a mentor.

Best wishes and you may want to check out my website on Passover and other information  www.jewishfreeware.org

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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