Letters to the Editor.                                    September 6, 2014

   I am still pleased to see my name in print.  The Los Angeles Times has seen fit to print two of my letters, one today and one in June.  Since I have stopped writing my weekly in the UT I have begun again to address the Times’ editor.  I also had a letter in a major Jewish magazine. Reform Judaism is circulated throughout the country to Jewish folks who are members of a reform (progressive) synagogue.

   The subject I addressed was tattoos!  That is an interesting non-religious issue, I was surprised to find it seriously discussed in Reform Judaism.  To begin, I have no tattoos, I  never was interested taking the plunge.  I argued with my husband when I decided to have my ears pierced and I won.  In those early days of our marriage ear piercing was still on the edge of a big taboo in Judaism.  Modern times and my argument overturned the remnants of tradition that did not fit our more progressive ideas. 

   Anything that might be construed as a desecration of the body is not permitted among many pious Jews. Tattoos never entered our discussion until our grandson, designed and paid for a tattoo on his shoulder. It is a great serpent, beautifully done.  At the time my only question was : “did it hurt?”  I did not discuss with Matt all the other concerns that I had regarding his inking his shoulder.  It was his shoulder and he was 21.

   I suggest that tattoos with a message are frequently a cop-out.  If we write it on our shoulders or across our chest, we never have to say it or act it out.  There are those who will say that they want the world to know what they believe or they wish to share their message of love or anger.  My issue with religious symbolism depicted in tattoos, is the same for all religions, though I only challenge my Jewish friends.  Those Jews who put a Mogen David (Star of David) or menorah (Judaism’s special candleabra) on their chests need also to act out their devotion to Judaism.  The wearing of one’s faith is not enough; we must live it to follow through properly.

   Judaism requires that we engage in tikkun olum, healing the world, that we live and respect the Ten Commandments.  In sum our Judaism requires us to try with our own lives to make the world a better place.  That is a big order that cannot be emphasized or explained by a Star upon the chest, it is too simplistic. Acts of faith are lifetime responsibilities.

   Though I truly enjoy seeing my name in print once in awhile, it pleases me more to know that my wee small voice is frequently heard.