From Idolatry to Conversion: Judaism and Non-Jews: Idolatry and Non-Jewish Practices: Burying a Tattooed Person in a Jewish Cemetery:
According to Halachah, may a person whose body has tattoos be buried in a Jewish cemetery? Ho whose body has been pierced?
It is not prohibited to bury someone who has tattoos or body
piercings in a Jewish cemetery. Although the Torah prohibits
making a permanent tattoo on one's body (VaYikra 19:28), doing so
does not disqualify one from burial in a Jewish cemetery. Body
piercing or mutilation is prohibited only in grief over a deceased
friend or relative (as is common in some cultures), or if it is
done to emulate a non-Jewish custom. In any case, it does not
disqualify a person from burial in a Jewish cemetery.
Deliberate, permanent disfigurement of the body would also be
prohibited. But such practices as ear piercing and cosmetic
surgery (e.g., elective rhinoplasty) are not prohibited. The
purpose of cosmetic surgery is to make the body more beautiful
not to disfigure it.
genesis@torah.org
