Question:

I was wondering if anyone here knew if there was any truth to the theory that if you have a tattoo you cant be buried in a Jewish graveyard.  I myself, although  born into a Jewish family, do not practice the religion…but am curious to know what’s up with this.  I heard that it has something to do with modifying th body we are given, its not our job, or something like that….but….hey… I know a lot of Jews with nose jobs :) this newsgroup…… thanx and be well…

Response:

>I was wondering if anyone here knew if there was any truth to the theory >that if you have a tattoo you cant be buried in a Jewish graveyard.  I >myself, although  born into a Jewish family, do not practice the >religion…but am curious to know what’s up with this.  I heard that it has >something to do with modifying th body we are given, its not our job, or >something like that….but….hey… I know a lot of Jews with nose jobs :)

HI!! I am a pierced very religious Jew and I can clarify your question. The only prohabition is a tattoo, cutting, or branding, due to the fact that these practices were done by "Pagan" tribes ( not meant as a slam to Pagans, just stating what is said). You can still be buried in a Jewish cemetary.  And yes it has to do with modifing the body in an inappropriate way, as seen in the eyes of Judaism.                                         lg

Response:

> I was wondering if anyone here knew if there was any truth to the theory > that if you have a tattoo you cant be buried in a Jewish graveyard.  I > myself, although  born into a Jewish family, do not practice the > religion…but am curious to know what’s up with this.  I heard that it has > something to do with modifying th body we are given, its not our job, or > something like that….but….hey… I know a lot of Jews with nose jobs :) > this newsgroup…… > thanx and be well…

I was always under the impression that the body modification rule was a very old one, and one that was discarded after or during the holocaust. All those Jewish people with tattoos needed to be buried somewhere. I think. I could always ask my zeyda in law. xgerryedgex

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