Tattoo thoughts
So, I think I've thought about it long enough (um, several years): It's time for me to get a tattoo. But considering that this is a forever decision, I'm checking in with my friends list for opinions/advice. Not that any else's decision will be binding here, but I want to get some input to make sure I've thought through anything that might turn out to be important to me.
(
jennrubenstein and
vitamincece, I'm looking at you here. And on the Hebrew font, there are a bunch of you out there who I think might have some valuable input here, but Benj and Shani come to mind).
Cut, because this gets kinda detailed:
WHAT: The word "ahavah" (love) in Hebrew. Specifically, in "cursive." My biggest challenge so far has been finding a font that I like. The font on the necklace below is the CLOSEST I've found to what I want, but not exactly. I'd like a font that looks almost handwritten, but neater. My mom (yeah..) typed it into her Hebrew word processor, but there are only two fonts there. I might try to find an Israeli or other talented Hebrew writer to give me some options. I think it will be in mauve. But I'm also still thinking about black. Opinions on this? Ideas for where to find this? I've also included a full Hebrew alphabet, which is a little closer to the font I'm looking for. But I'd like something with a little more character. Actually, I think that alphabet is the closest so far. (For non hebrew-readers, I'm looking at the letter on the top right which looks like [ Ic ], then the 5th letter in from the top right, then the second letter from the top right, then the 5th again.)
Edit: This is more the color I'm thinking:
WHERE: Upper left arm. Yeah, I don't have the muscle definition to make it the sexiest it could be, but, uh, I probably never will, and I'm not going to let that stop me. High enough to be covered by t-shirts. Shouldn't change TOO much with age or weight change, easy enough to hide or to make visible when appropriate.
WHY: I have wanted a tattoo for a long time, because I think they are hot and are a fun way to personalize the already-personal body. I like this design (or, idea for a design...) because "love" -- while a little cheezy -- is a simple but powerful idea that will definitely resonate throughout my life. I like in Hebrew because that significantly minimizes the cheeziness, while incorporating my Jewish heritage, which has always been very important to me. I would like it in cursive rather than script because I am more interested in the Jewish people/traditions/community than in the religious elements, and I think cursive is more connected to that element than standard block Hebrew is. Also, I think cursive Hebrew is kinda hardcore, but also kinda flirty/feminine. At least in my ideal font.
BUT WHAT ABOUT:
THE JEW FACTOR: I'm not concerned about the sometimes-existent prohibition against tattoos in Judaism, because (a) there are a lot of prohibitions in Judaism that I don't follow and (b) this one is particularly weak, in that it is only in one place in the Torah, and may be more about scarification that tattoos anyway. And the myth about not being able to be buried in a Jewish cemetary is just a myth. Most of the prohibition is about the idea that the messiah will come some day and bring dead people back to life, thus "returning" our bodies to God as their true owner. No offense to anyone who does, but I simply don't believe that this will happen. I feel like when you die, you are buried or cremated, and that is the end of your physical presence. And if I'm wrong, I'll have a lot more than my tattoo to report about.
THE PROFESSIONALISM FACTOR: Easily coverable in any work-appropriate clothes.
THE PERMANENCY FACTOR: I heard a tattoo artist on NPR recently say that he recommends first-time tattoo getters put the design on the refrigerator for six months first, and then get it. While I haven't done that, I've had it in my mind for a long time -- at least a year. It has only gotten more comfortable with time. Also, I loved all of my piercings, and only took them out because I had to for work. I understand the concept of permanency, and while it's a little scary to think that I might some day be telling this story to my grandkids, I think that's pretty cool. No matter what happens in my life, the concept of "love" and my connection to my Jewish heritage will not change, regardless of my relationship/family status and regardless of my actual involvement in Jewish community. (And I'm an agnostic who doesn't attend synagogue outside of special events now....).
So, what do you think? Like I said above, I'm not looking for any particular person's blessing or anything, but I'd love to get input from those of you have tattoos or who have chosen not to get them for particular reasons (other than just the general "I think they're ugly" --- I know that some people have that opinion, and while I respect it for those who hold it, that general of an opinion won't help my decision). I'd love to hear from the Hebrew readers on my f-list, too.
(
jennrubenstein and
vitamincece, I'm looking at you here. And on the Hebrew font, there are a bunch of you out there who I think might have some valuable input here, but Benj and Shani come to mind).
Cut, because this gets kinda detailed:
WHAT: The word "ahavah" (love) in Hebrew. Specifically, in "cursive." My biggest challenge so far has been finding a font that I like. The font on the necklace below is the CLOSEST I've found to what I want, but not exactly. I'd like a font that looks almost handwritten, but neater. My mom (yeah..) typed it into her Hebrew word processor, but there are only two fonts there. I might try to find an Israeli or other talented Hebrew writer to give me some options. I think it will be in mauve. But I'm also still thinking about black. Opinions on this? Ideas for where to find this? I've also included a full Hebrew alphabet, which is a little closer to the font I'm looking for. But I'd like something with a little more character. Actually, I think that alphabet is the closest so far. (For non hebrew-readers, I'm looking at the letter on the top right which looks like [ Ic ], then the 5th letter in from the top right, then the second letter from the top right, then the 5th again.)
Edit: This is more the color I'm thinking:
WHERE: Upper left arm. Yeah, I don't have the muscle definition to make it the sexiest it could be, but, uh, I probably never will, and I'm not going to let that stop me. High enough to be covered by t-shirts. Shouldn't change TOO much with age or weight change, easy enough to hide or to make visible when appropriate.
WHY: I have wanted a tattoo for a long time, because I think they are hot and are a fun way to personalize the already-personal body. I like this design (or, idea for a design...) because "love" -- while a little cheezy -- is a simple but powerful idea that will definitely resonate throughout my life. I like in Hebrew because that significantly minimizes the cheeziness, while incorporating my Jewish heritage, which has always been very important to me. I would like it in cursive rather than script because I am more interested in the Jewish people/traditions/community than in the religious elements, and I think cursive is more connected to that element than standard block Hebrew is. Also, I think cursive Hebrew is kinda hardcore, but also kinda flirty/feminine. At least in my ideal font.
BUT WHAT ABOUT:
THE JEW FACTOR: I'm not concerned about the sometimes-existent prohibition against tattoos in Judaism, because (a) there are a lot of prohibitions in Judaism that I don't follow and (b) this one is particularly weak, in that it is only in one place in the Torah, and may be more about scarification that tattoos anyway. And the myth about not being able to be buried in a Jewish cemetary is just a myth. Most of the prohibition is about the idea that the messiah will come some day and bring dead people back to life, thus "returning" our bodies to God as their true owner. No offense to anyone who does, but I simply don't believe that this will happen. I feel like when you die, you are buried or cremated, and that is the end of your physical presence. And if I'm wrong, I'll have a lot more than my tattoo to report about.
THE PROFESSIONALISM FACTOR: Easily coverable in any work-appropriate clothes.
THE PERMANENCY FACTOR: I heard a tattoo artist on NPR recently say that he recommends first-time tattoo getters put the design on the refrigerator for six months first, and then get it. While I haven't done that, I've had it in my mind for a long time -- at least a year. It has only gotten more comfortable with time. Also, I loved all of my piercings, and only took them out because I had to for work. I understand the concept of permanency, and while it's a little scary to think that I might some day be telling this story to my grandkids, I think that's pretty cool. No matter what happens in my life, the concept of "love" and my connection to my Jewish heritage will not change, regardless of my relationship/family status and regardless of my actual involvement in Jewish community. (And I'm an agnostic who doesn't attend synagogue outside of special events now....).
So, what do you think? Like I said above, I'm not looking for any particular person's blessing or anything, but I'd love to get input from those of you have tattoos or who have chosen not to get them for particular reasons (other than just the general "I think they're ugly" --- I know that some people have that opinion, and while I respect it for those who hold it, that general of an opinion won't help my decision). I'd love to hear from the Hebrew readers on my f-list, too.