Askmoses-A Jews Resource
Why do we put on the Tallit before the Tefillin?
Browse our archives

The Scholar is ready to answer your question. Click the button below to chat now.

Scholar Online:

Type in your question here:

Is it permitted to write on one’s body if it’s not permanent?

by Rabbi Moshe Miller

  

Library » Mitzvot » Prohibitions | Subscribe | What is RSS?

PRINT EMAIL COMMENT

The Torah only prohibits writing which is permanently tattooed into the skin,1 but does not forbid writing on the flesh if it can be erased.2


However, there are those who contend that this is Rabbinically forbidden -- so it's better not to write phone numbers on your hand, and stay away from the fake tattoo booth in the amusement park. It anyway doesn’t look elegant. And hey, don’t you use a palm pilot?

Stay away from the fake tattoo booth in the amusement park...

Footnotes

  • 1. Leviticus 19:28.
  • 2. Talmud Makkot 21a.

ADD A COMMENT

Please email me when new comments are posted (you must be  logged in).
Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.