Can I convert to Orthodox Judaism and have tattoos?

[Diamond]

I have four tattoos, one on my upper left arm, one on my lower right forearm, one on the back of my neck, and one across my collarbone. I want to convert to Orthodox Judaism, will this be an issue?

 

[SundayLunch]

Leviticus 19:28, part of the Torah, the most sacred writings in all of Judasim

?? ???? ????, ?? ???? ??????, ????? ????, ?? ???? ???: ???, ????.

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor imprint any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

 

[newell]

Well if you have any Swastikas, that WOULD be a bit of a gaffe.

 

[JePe]

If you have them before your conversion, they will not impede your efforts to convert.

However, many Orthodox rabbis may encourage you to seek tattoo removal if it is within your means, certainly if they present an anti-Jewish sentiment. If, however, it's not within your means, it won't be held against you. If it IS within your means, however, reluctance to do so may be viewed as a hesitancy to enter fully into the covenant.

Conservative synagogues will vary on how they handle the issue. Conservative Judaism holds that the mitzvah are binding, but subject to interpretation. At particularly strict Conservative synagogues, expect a response similiar to Orthodox synagogues. At more liberal Conservative synagogues, they will likely simply be non-issue.

At a Reform or Reconstructionist synagogue, they won't be an issue at all, unless they are blatently anti-Semetic.

The prohibition against tatooing applies only to Jews. You were not a Jew when they were done, so they're not an issue.

 

[DAravahlJBC]

answer: As JP said, if you have them before your conversion, it's not a problem. Most people cover them when at synagogue or study or minyan. Getting a new tatt after conversion is another matter.

Ignore those filled with snow, they haven't a clue what they're talking about.