Hebrew tattoos
Rut- 1 hour ago
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Based on the Torah (Leviticus 19:28), conventional Jewish law forbids tattoos: "You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord." Though tattooing was used to mark slaves in Ancient Egypt, some claim the ban was to distinguish Jews from pagan mourning customs, while others claim it was to reject marks of slavery.
While Conservative and Reform movements may see the restriction on voluntary tattoos more leniently, occasionally separating between voluntary and involuntary tattoos (like those forcefully given during the Holocaust), Orthodox Judaism maintains a strong ban on voluntary tattoos. Though this is a common fallacy, not backed by official Jewish law, getting a tattoo does not prevent a Jew from burying himself in a Jewish cemetery.
Why Have Tattoos Started Rising Starting October 7, 2023?
Particularly among younger groups, tattoos have become very popular among Israelis after the Hamas strikes on October 7, 2023. This phenomenon is a communal reaction to pain, loss, and the necessity of resilience, rather than just a fashion fad. Memorial tattoos have been discovered by researchers as a physical means of trauma processing, existential terror confronting, and identity and belonging reinforcement tool.
Since the assaults, Israeli tattoo parlors have seen explosive business, as many customers want tattoos to mark the events and help them to process their feelings.
Popular Tattoos in Israel
Hebrew tattoos often carry deep personal and cultural meanings. Some of the most popular choices include:
"Chai" (חי): Meaning "life," this symbol represents vitality and is a common emblem of Jewish identity.
"Ahava" (אהבה): Translating to "love," it's a popular choice symbolizing affection and passion.
"Am Yisrael Chai" (עם ישראל חי): Meaning "The people of Israel live," this phrase has gained prominence, especially after significant events, as a sign of solidarity and resilience.
Symbols: The Star of David and the Hamsa are frequently chosen for their cultural and protective connotations.
The phrase "לא נשכח ולא נסלח" ("We will not forget, and we will not forgive") has become a poignant symbol of collective grief and resilience in Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
Tattoo car crashes by non-Jews
Some people find tattoos in Hebrew ubercool. However, Hebrew tattoos can go awry due to misunderstandings of the language's structure and script.
Here are some notable examples (take a deep breath!):
Backward and Misaligned Text: Take a look at this example: even though we write Hebrew from right to left, when it comes to vertical tattoos, the first letter is the first letter of the sentence, also for us. Start at the top, not the bottom!
Incorrect Translations: My absolute favorite: taking the slogan of the translation tool rather than the translation
Choosing the wrong letters Due to the visual similarity between certain Hebrew letters, you might overlook some important details if you actually do not speak Hebrew yourself. What do you think about exchanging dalet for resh or chet for hey?
If Hebrew matters to you—even just a little—start by learning to read and write it. Because if you're going to wear Hebrew on your skin… you deserve to know what it really says.
So here’s my invitation:
I created a free course that teaches exactly that. You’ll learn the Hebrew alphabet, how the letters work, and how to recognize real words. AND: at the end, you will be able to read a short story.
You can take it in one of four languages, whichever feels easiest for you.
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