Jews Choose Tattoos
NEWS ITEM: More Jews are wearing tattoos, according to observers of that scene, including artists who specialize in the area and rabbis who have notices an upsurge of branding in their congregations.
A fad’s erupted ’mongst the Jews:
An impetus toward tattoos.
There’s growing preference, it seems,
For body-art with Jewish themes.
Some rabbis, angered, make a fuss.
They point out that Leviticus
Quite pointedly forbids such art
Adorning any body part.
Proponents argue, nonetheless,
That tattoos hype their Jewishness.
Depicted to a high degree
Are scenes from Jewish history.
Few nudes, or their equivalent
Appear on the integument.
A beauteous vessel is the bod,
A gift that comes direct from God
And should not be despoiled by ink —
That’s what the pious people think.
Is tattooing a forward leap?
Or is it something just skin-deep?
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
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