JEWS AND TATTOOS: ETCHED IN INK, ROOTED IN TRADITION

From forbidden to fashionable, tattoos have always been a polemic subject for Jewish people. Across different Jewish cultures— from ex-Orthodox Bundists to secular Zionists—tattoos can be seen as rebellious, deeply personal, or honoring ancestral links.
This talk explores the evolving relationship between Judaism and tattoos, looking beyond ancient texts and myths to explore how Jewish people today navigate body art, identity, and cultural expression. We’ll dive into the ways Jewish customs, family traditions, and generational differences shape attitudes toward ink, touching on everything from Holocaust remembrance tattoos to pop culture influences.
Whether you’re inked, thinking about it, or just curious, this talk will challenge assumptions and spark fresh conversations about what it means to express identity in today’s world.