I have yet another Jewish question...?

Question

I am going to convert to Judaism, but I know that you're not "really" Jewish unless it is an Orthodox conversion. Problem: I have a tattoo. I got it many years ago, however it is not visible to the public eye. I am sure that doesn't matter, though. If you have one, you have one, visible or not. Is it true that an Orthodox Rabbi will not convert you if you have a tattoo?

I do not plan on , or want to get any more tattoos.

Answer 1

It's not true.

Now: there may be individual Rabbis who have this policy, but none that I've known...

In fact, I know a woman who had a CROSS tattoo and converted. Last I heard, she planned to have it removed--but still...

In fact, I heard another story that I'm not sure is true--

about a man who had been a messianic Jew and had gotten a tattoo of the four-letter name of G-d. He couldn't get it removed, because you can't erase G-d's name... but he couldn't go into a bathroom with it exposed. It was supposedly quite a dilemma, till his rabbi told him just to make sure it was covered when he went into the bathroom...

It DOES sound made up. But just be upfront with your Rabbi. He knows that you've done many things that wouldn't fit in with a Jewish lifestyle, and this is just one of them--but you're leaving all that behind.

Answer 2

An Orthodox rabbi will convert you even if you have a tattoo. And yes, you could even be buried in a Jewish cemetery.

Yes, if you are planning to convert, it is a good idea to have an Orthodox conversion. It eliminates problems down the road.

Answer 3

You can convert into any type of Judaism you want. You'll only not 'really' be Jewish in the eyes of the Orthodox community if you chose another movement. But even so, an Orthodox rabbi will allow you to convert even if you have a tattoo.

Answer 4

Yes you can convert with it. Mitzvot have been broken in the past and you can't be denied. The thing is that you are strving to not break mitzvot anymore and that is the key. As the good point above about bacon.

There is a story of a Jew with a tattoo. A man brought up in a fairly secular home with hints of catholicism had got tattoos and broke other mitzvot. However he or his family never knew he was a Jew. In his 20s he found the Torah and when he heard the word "Torah" for the first time he had this strange natural feeling inside him like he knew of it. So he sought more study. It only came natural for him to wonder where he comes from and who he is and after heavy research he found himself to be a Jew. As he studied the mitzvot he was deeply conscious of his Tattoo and it always bothered him. When he first saw pictures of the nazi tattoos given to Jews in the holocaust he thought to himself how he would have never had that tattoo if his ancestors weren't affected and broken up so badly by Hitler. It was as if the temple was destroyed and he just found out how to rebuild it. This mark, this scar, this broken rock fallen from the temple was forever a reminder to this once poor Jew how important Judaism is and how easy it can be lost to people and on people. He found this experience a blessing as he held a most high appreciation for something he may have never found if it wasn't for Ha Shem.
Shalom

Answer 5

Never heard of a convert being turned away on account of a tattoo. It's definitely forbidden by the Torah to GET a tattoo, but as a non-Jew, technically you weren't subject to that particular commandment. But if you convert, you'll have to accept the Torah and all its mitzvos upon yourself - so no new tattoos.

I'll give you a little inside info (shh, don't tell anybody!): It's widely believed among Jews that if you have a tattoo, you can't be buried in a Jewish cemetery. But apparently, that's not true. I just found this out. It started out as something Jewish mothers would tell their kids to prevent them from getting tattoos, and eventually people mistook it for the actual halacha. Who knew?

So yeah, I doubt a rabbi would turn you away on the basis of a tattoo (well, maybe if it's a picture of a crucifix...)

However, as you are probably aware, the custom is to turn away a potential convert serveral times to test their sincerity. The fact is, you don't need to be Jewish to get on G-d's good side, or to be "saved". In Judaism, not being Jewish is not a barrier to heaven. And in fact, if you become Jewish, well, things get a lot tougher! So my advice to you is to research it thoroughly, weigh the pro's and con's, and consider the Noachide option. Here's some reading material on both:

http://www.beingjewish.com/conversion/
http://www.aish.com/literacy/judaism123/Conversion_to_Judaism.asp
http://www.aish.com/literacy/judaism123/The_7_Noachide_Laws.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noachide

I hope this information helps, and wish you the best of luck in your spiritual journey, whatever you decide.

Answer 6

As several other people have said its not a problem.

Also contrary to the urban legend having a tattoo will not prevent a Jew from being buried in a Jewish cemetery.

according to Hallacha getting a tattoo is like eating a ham sandwich, except that one is now on you skin.

Since you are not Jewish you did not do anything wrong.

It would not matter even if the tattoo was visible.

Answer 7

Mazal tov! I don't think the tattoo will be a problem at all; I can't imagine any modern Orthodox rabbi not converting you just because of this. Outside of the one obvious Jesus rant in the answers, we're all on the same page. And again, mazal tov!

Answer 8

you can still convert. there are lot of orthodox jews who have broken jewish law at one point or another. the only difference is that with a tattoo, unfortunately, it leaves a permanent reminder, whereas a guy who eats a piece of bacon doesn't grow a snout :)

Answer 9

Good for you!!! I am so glad you are converting the right way (orthodox).
A tattoo should not be a problem!
You can always ask a rabbi.
For one near you:
http://americanthinker.com/2007/06/muhammad_and_the_jews_why_the.html
On the orthodox conversion:
http://www.halakhicconversion.org/
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

Answer 10

best bet is to talk to a rabbi shouldnt be a problem it was in the past. The process in becoming a Jew is pretty hard cause you have to accept the shabbat and follow it to the T its hard my friend became a Jew and said its hard but I have a friend that is a Rabbi and said they will help u anyways Mozel Tov :)