Can a Person With a Tattoo Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery?

Question:

Is it true that if I have a tattoo I cannot be buried in an Orthodox cemetery? I’m not referring to Holocaust markings.

Answer:

The Torah1 forbids us from tattooing our bodies. Nonetheless, one who has had tattoos can still buried in a Jewish cemetery.

That said, every Jewish burial society has the right to enact its own criteria for who may and may not be buried in their plot. This stems from people’s desire (or right?) to be buried in proximity to others of their choosing. So while technically there is nothing in Jewish law which prohibits a tattooed person from being interred in a Jewish cemetery, certain burial societies—not the majority of them, or even close—will not bury among their own a person who willingly tattooed him- or herself, as it is a permanent exhibition of violation of Jewish Law.

This practice by certain burial societies led to the common misconception that this ban was an inherent part of Jewish law.

Chani Benjaminson,
Chabad.org

Footnotes

Leviticus 19:28.

By Chani Benjaminson

Chani Benjaminson is co-director of Chabad of the South Coast, coordinator of Chabad’s Ask the Rabbi and Feedback departments, and is a member of the editorial staff of Chabad.org.

All names of persons and locations or other identifying features referenced in these questions have been omitted or changed to preserve the anonymity of the questioners.

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65 Comments

Barry Los Angeles June 2, 2021

I hold no offense (offennce in the UK) to any Jewish person with a tattoo. Many of my contemporaries were survivors of the death camps.

Re: Tattoos
They, who have tattoos are Jews and will always be such in my humble view.
Personally, it is not my way, however times change and people see this as an artistic improvisation.
We all are Jewish and our souls are deeper than skin.
I hope we can concentrate on the bigger "picture," that is teaching our children of our great values.
L'dor V'dor Reply

hugh cavendish August 23, 2022

in response to Barry:

Please note that the correct (English) spelling is 'offense'. It is to be regretted that so-called
US English often mutilates our ancient noble tongue. Reply

ELAINE POMERANSKY Scotland August 28, 2022

in response to Barry:

Well said, there are so many laws in our religion, many impossible to keep, and as you rightly say, 'our souls are deeper than our skin'. Reply

Elaine Pomeransky Midlothian January 14, 2025

in response to Barry:

Well said, our souls and values are what is important. Reply

DA J March 7, 2019

Add a comment...Doesn't the Torah specifically say a person who tatooes them self is
"cut off from the G-d of Israel and the Jewish nation" ? why is this not quoted ?
the majority of people I know who have tatooes have indeed publicly decided to
disconnect from Judaism....many also now regret having done so.. why did we
never see more of this prohibition announced to the general public many ill bet
most never even knew of this prohibition this is a failure of our religious leaders to the general Jewish public many did this out of ignorance ..! Reply

Elaine Pomeransky Edinburgh June 13, 2019

in response to DA:

I understand what you are saying, but the religious leaders aren't to blame for this in our generation as most adults can read. I have the Torah in English. I confess, although not at all frum, I knew prior to having my first tattoo what it said in Torah. It's part of the verse about not cutting your skin for the dead, at a stretch one might claim that it also means not to tattoo for the dead. So on a light-hearted note one might argue that tattoos are fine so long as one doesn't have 'Mum' 'Dad' or anyone else who may have died before you. But Leviticus also has numerous other rules, many that have been ignored, including: (Lev. 21:16-23, & Lev. 20:12 - which Judah did,). Of course if we took it all literally throughout all generations we would never progress ethically/humanely. As certain rulings only refer to a specific time scale and only had meaning for that time. But as for a tattoo, that's merely one rule, there are far more prohibitions that are ignored by all. Reply

hugo cavendish August 23, 2022

in response to DA:

I doubt that I am alone when I find that the sight of a tattoo (even a small one) on a Jew is offensive in every way. I hate to see it. Reply

nils mendelson August 23, 2022

in response to Elaine Pomeransky:

All tattoos are gross and offensive, irrespective of the halachic prohibitions. Reply

Larry New York September 15, 2023

in response to nils mendelson:

Isn't this simply your opinion? Maybe you don't like the way earrings look on people? Also, why so much hate? Here's an idea... if you don't like tattoos, don't get one yourself! Reply

D Hyatt September 17, 2023

in response to hugo cavendish:

How is it offensive? I could see if it was a swastika or kkk or something evil like that but I don’t understand how any tattoo at all is offensive. Reply

Michael Baum Johannesburg March 7, 2019

Can a person with a tattoo have an Aliyah ? Reply

Moshe Maaravi June 16, 2019

in response to Michael Baum:

Without question. Reply

Elkan Wijnberg Antwerp February 7, 2019

I would say that it's more important that the person is dead or not, to decide if he/she can be buried. Reply

Elaine Pomeransky Edinburgh February 10, 2019

in response to Elkan Wijnberg:

Can a Person With a Tattoo Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery? You made me smile Elkan. Problem for me is I couldn't afford a burial so have had to pay for a cremation which is probably looked up as a worse crime than having a tattoo. But, burial is above my meagre means. Reply

Chani Benjaminson February 11, 2019

in response to Elaine Pomeransky:

Pretty much every Jewish community has resources to assist with a Jewish burial, there are also national and international organizations which provide assistance as well, please consider using those opportunities to obtain a Jewish burial. Reply

Elaine Pomeransky Edinburgh November 8, 2018

Can a person with tattoo be buried in cemetery? just discussing this on facebook. I have loads of tattoos to cover scars, I also have a sleeve of 'Hebrew'. Hope Hashem has sense of humour. Reply

Jacob Leib August 23, 2022

in response to Elaine Pomeransky:

Perhaps He has, but in your case I don't! Reply

Elaine Pomeransky Edinburgh September 19, 2023

in response to Jacob Leib:

So sorry for you Reply

Allen J. Columbus Ohio July 9, 2018

I decided to laser mine off in penitence for getting it in the first place. It sure does hurt! But, I should have listened to the Torah! If it matters or not? Not sure... Reply

theo August 5, 2018

in response to Allen J.:

sorry to hear that Reply

Robert S. Florida July 5, 2018

I have a tattoo of the Israeli Flag on my arm to show my support for Israel. I have had lively discussions with the rabbi as to whether or not this is acceptable. Reply

Adan Toronto September 29, 2019

in response to Robert S.:

Well what is the conclusion you came to? Reply

meir tn May 7, 2018

tattoos Having a tattoos is no different than desecrating shabbos, eating a non kosher meal, speaking lashon horo or any other biblical (lr rabbinic sin). thus, if any burial society were to attempt to prevent a jew from internment for a tattoo; they should include preliminary questions such as: have you ever eaten non kosher food, have you committed lashon horo, have you ever desecrated shabbos, etc. my conclusion: those cemeteries would only be able to bury tzaddikim. Reply

F. Ohlenschlager August 23, 2022

in response to meir:

It's interment friend, not internment! Reply

Sophie Memphis, n January 9, 2016

tattoo woes I really want a small tattoo (like a barely noticeable tattoo) but I know my parent's dislike tattoo's. Another thing that makes this a difficult decision is that I have a pretty strong connection with my jewish faith which makes going against a part of my faith that's voiced pretty often in the jewish community makes me feel really on edge. Reply

Anonymous Los ANgeles May 7, 2018

in response to Sophie:

Sophie, if it doesn't feel right don't do it. Tattoos are considered pagan symbols in Judaism. And desecrating the body God created seems very wrong. Why would you want a tattoo - a barely noticeable one at that - when you know what the reaction of your fellow worshippers will be? What do you gain by getting one? What do you lose? And why on earth would you want to do anything that makes you feel on edge? Examine your motives and feelings and act accordingly. Reply

Deborah Lindenhurst IL May 8, 2018

in response to Sophie:

Body art reality Hi,

You can draw with marker (lots of colors) and keep recoloring it as it fades, or get a removable tattoo... then it's just decoration and not so forever. I love art in many forms... but God always comes first. The truth is that tattoos fade over the years, in 10 years that once beautiful tattoo will be ugly, dull, and the body part won't be quite as pretty 10 years down the line. On top of it all it's a source of contention within the family. Don't do it. Reply

Frank Goldberg Phoenix June 17, 2019

in response to Sophie:

When considering a tattoo, or anything else that goes against Torah, think about this: we are alive for approximately 80 years and we are talking about jeopardizing our infinitely eternal existence. Would you rather have $80 or $1,000,000,000,000? Reply

Jacob Halevi August 23, 2022

in response to Sophie:

You have an odd use of apostrophes! Only 4/10 for English grammar! Reply

Ilene Cincinnati December 29, 2023

in response to Sophie:

Then don’t get one! Reply

Anonymous Israel June 6, 2018

in response to Deborah:

Why not henna. It's temporary & can be beautiful & it's certainly art. Reply

Mrs. Chana Benjaminson April 16, 2015

To Amir In that case there is no limitation due to a terrible thing that was beyond their control. Reply

Amir Maman Los Angeles April 15, 2015

What about if they are from the holocaust and they have their numbers that were not their choice. What do we do in that case? Reply

kevin Centerport August 30, 2017

in response to Amir Maman:

nothing Reply

Mitzi Hamilton King George June 4, 2019

in response to kevin:

Willingly obtain a tattoo - the holocaust survivors did not have a choice. Reply

Jacobshaner Ny March 11, 2015

I got a tattoo when I was 21, in the army and a Christian. Years later I converted to Judaism. Who will tell me I have sinned? Reply

Moshe Maaravi June 16, 2019

in response to Jacobshaner :

No one of worth. Welcome to the tribe, brother. Reply

ESLowe Australia June 11, 2014

Tattooing As a non-Jew I nevertheless have deep forebodings about tattooing. I believe there are strong links with the occult in the practice. Tattooing (body piercing and scarification) in my mind, has links with has links with savagery and even cannibalism. I won't say more because I sound like a nutcase to many of you at this.

I note that as were move further and further from the Christian Era tattooing has became more prevalent in the "civilian" community. About 1/3 of Britons have tattoos these days. Reply

Alan M Markham September 29, 2019

in response to ESLowe:

Please can you expand? I don't think you're a nutcase. Reply

Eddie USA February 1, 2014

Here's a twist I'm a Breast Cancer survivor. Probably the dreaded gene. After 15 years of starring at one side I had a beautiful tattoo placed on my breast.
They can bury me in a non denominational cemetery with a smile on my face. Reply

Astrid Europe January 14, 2025

in response to Eddie:

I have an embryo loss tattoo. I really needed that. Having that is not idolizing myself. Rather, it is the tombstone of my children. Reply

jesse kaellis New Westminster January 27, 2013

Hello? After I'm dead you can feed me to wild animals for all I care. Reply

Daliah uk November 29, 2012

Whoever is Jewish and knows tattooing is forbidden and still gets one is really wrong. Is it so difficult not to get a tattoo? It clearly states in our Torah that you must not do it!
Can't you resist this temptation? I am not observant myself but I think that one can keep at least the basics. Reply

Becca January 3, 2018

in response to Daliah :

It is not about resisting the temptation! It's about living your life freely. I am a Jew and I respect my religion!
I want a tattoo because I want to, because of the Jewish laws I am unable to do. I am scared that the Jewish community will not accept me if I get a tattoo. I am not scared God will accept me. I am scared whether people will accept me, this is human foolishness. Reply

Anonymous South Africa March 7, 2019

in response to Becca :

Does that mean you eat pork because you want to live freely?
You do have the freedom to respect your religion, the question is does respect for religion mean you can decide what to respect and what not? Reply

Anonymous Maryland August 28, 2020

in response to Becca :

Human foolishness is saying that you respect something, yet rebelling against it.
You say you respect our religion?
Then why is it that you publicly proclaim "It is not about resisting the temptation! It's about living your life freely...I respect my religion!...I am not scared G-d will accept me. I am scared whether people will accept me." If you respect your religion, respect it's laws! Respect it's G-d who says that you may not get a tattoo!

I can see from the fact that you are on Chabad.org that you are at least somewhat interested in your religion. Please, do yourself a favor, decide what your path in life will be! If you want to act Jewish and affiliate with the Jewish community, act like a Jew! While I respect the fact that it's hard to live life according to all the laws, as Daliah said above, keep the bare minimum!
Is it really that hard to live without a tattoo? Reply

ruth housman marshfield, ma November 28, 2012

judgmental ways of being I meet a lot of people and they have tattoos. It's not something I would ever want, and I can easily decorate with those washable ones you get for children, if ever I want a rose on my arm or cheek. But those who do, have their personal reasons, and I wouldn't ever judge them for doing what they do. We live in a diverse world. I am against tattoos personally because we Jews were so branded, in those Hitler years. I think it's All G_d and so for me, whatever happens in life, seems to be part of a far far bigger picture, and diversity for sure, is key. Not to bury a Jew in a Jewish cemetery because they "bear" a tattoo, seems incredibly judgmental, as it's the heart and soul of a person anyhow, that this story is all about. Nobody has the right to make such a judgment, and to prevent a burial. That's how I feel and I would take G_d up on that one, if it's forbidden. I believe we're actually here to think about these things, and that's the "crux" of the matter. it's about LOVE. Reply

Esther Manchester November 28, 2012

Mike a tattoo is only skin deep and will decay when the flesh dies...this may be true but because of our belief
that a person will be resurrected into their previous body then that body has to be whole and unblemished. The body is seen as holy in itself as we do mitzvot with it and it houses our soul. The soul's job is to elevate the body. We do many things to keep the soul together with the body even after death like the seven days of mourning and the anniversary of a person's death. The body is not just rubbish to be cast out. It's very interesting the way Judaism views the body, different from all other religions. Reply

Doris "Devorah" Bergman -Smith November 27, 2012

Using a tattoo to promote the rememberance of the Holocaust and Sept.11, 2001. We are taught "never again", "always remember", to honor all who sacrificed so that we can live in peace and security, to "save one life is to save the world". Use of a tattoo in the 21st century has taken on a new meaning for many Hebrews. G-d gave us commandments. He especially gave us free will and strength of the spark of His Soul within each of us. I use my tattoo as a constant reminder of this. For each person who asks about the significance of it I thank Hashem that I encourage others to remember our shared responsibility. I am a mature female who prays that I succeed in my life's work. Reply

alyce November 27, 2012

Tattoo My brother died and I have a tattoo with a broken heart. People do all sorts of things to their bodies. Does it not say that you have only ask your parents permission? Reply

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