?You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yoursel

On 8/4/04
risa from west bloomfield asked:

"i am an open minded reformed jew
i have a couple of piercings and want a tatoo that is tasteful, and in fact involves jewish symobls
i mead no disrespect and intend to have the symbols mean positive things about my heritage and beliefs, etx

do modern interpretations allow tatoos now, and is a tatoo forbidden by law or traditions"

Rabbi Roller answered:

"Earrings were known in the patriarchal period. They may have had some religious significance (Gen. 35:4). Nose rings are mentioned in Genesis 24:22,30,47 and Isaiah 3:21 The same term, nezem, is used for both, so the references are often ambiguous (e.g. Num. 31:50; Prov. 25:12). nose rings and earrings. Body piercing for the purpose of wearing jewelry does not seem to be mentioned anywhere in the Tenach.
body piercing is a contemptible way of treating the human body and therefore ought to be forbidden. Part of our tradition teaches us that as Jews we need to be non-conformists. Rather than following the fashion and social trends-- we ought to create the fashion instead.. Please bear in mind that as with anything, life is seldom black and white-- the context of any situation (be it religious or cultural) will have a profound impact on whether a Halachic decision regarding something is either kosher or forbidden. I hope I answered your question
It is absolutely forbidden in Jewish law to get a tatoo (in any language).

This is based on Leviticus 19:28 and is discussed in Mishna Makkot 3:6. Basically, the act of cutting into the body and putting dye inside (i.e. tatooing) is prohibitted.

Maimonides suggests that this is what the idol worshippers did as part of their service to their false gods. Of course, it also reflects profound disrespect for the body that G-d gave us."