The Beginner's Guide: What to Do with a Tattoo?

The Torah forbids engraving tattoos on the body, as the verse states: "You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves." (Leviticus 19:28) The prohibition applies to any place on the body, whether it is typically exposed or covered.

The root of the prohibition relates to not following the customs of the non-Jews, who had the practice of tattooing the name of the idol they worshiped. Additional reasons for the prohibition include that Jews belong to an important nation that should not deface their bodies and it is also unbefitting for a Jew to place any mark on his body except the mark of circumcision (explained by the commentator 'Chizkuni').

Although the root of the prohibition is based in the customs of non-Jews, it is clear that even today, when tattooing for idolatry may not be common, the prohibition is still valid, as explained in the Responsa Igrot Moshe (Yoreh De'ah part II, section 53).

When the tattoo includes the name of Hashem, the rules are much stricter - it is forbidden to stand near such a tattoo in immodest dress, and when entering a bathhouse, it must be covered.

The question of removing tattoos is often asked by those who are becoming more observant, and want to know if they are obligated to remove them. However, the prohibition is related to getting the tattoo, but after the fact, once it already exists, there is no halachic obligation to remove it- it is sufficient to cover it. A person who has a tattoo on their body should repent for it, but is not required to remove it.

In the book 'Maalot Rivka' on the Torah (page 252), an inquiry is mentioned that was made to Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, regarding a baal teshuva who had previously tattooed a cross on his body. He asked whether he should make an effort to remove it if removing the tattoo would entail significant costs and pain.

Rabbi Kanievsky's response was: "He is not obligated, however, if he has a reason, he is permitted and this does not constitute self-injury." Additionally, the Rabbi explained, "The Torah's desire is not to have a tattoo engraved in the flesh, but rather to prohibit the act itself, not the result."

Contemporary rabbis recommend removing the tattoo, as it serves as a "reminder of sin," but note that it is not mandatory, and one can rely on lenient rabbis. They also emphasize that if the tattoo is in a hidden location, there is more room for leniency.

In this context, it should be noted that some authorities believe that permanent makeup constitutes a tattoo. Therefore, anyone desiring permanent makeup should consult their rabbi and follow their guidance.