The Torah explicitly prohibits tattoos. But does that mean a Jew with a tattoo cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery? Read one rabbi's reasoned response.
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Clothing
Clothing has reflected religious identification, social status, emotional state and even the Jews' relation with the outside world.
How and when a Jew covers his or her head is a spiritual declaration and a social statement.
Discretion in appearance and speech is designed to protect our souls.
A slideshow of Jewish clothing.
A cultural and religious analysis.
Adorning the Body
The Bible imposes some specific limitations on what we may do to our bodies.
The biblical ban on tattooing remains in force, but a contemporary rabbi probes its rationale.
Jewish law does not prohibit it, but Jewish theology and ethics raise serious questions.
If it does not serve a medical purpose, it's frowned upon by the Jewish legal tradition.
Beards have become a powerful symbol of Jewish manhood.
Health and Illness
Judaism generally views medical treatment positively, even as an obligation.
Jewish law mandates a healthful lifestyle.
Jewish culture values sobriety, individual responsibility, and health.
Most of Jewish law can and should be set aside in order to avoid endangering a person's health or safety.
Messages from Jewish tradition to help combat substance abuse and other addictions.
Healing
The Bible sees folk healing as idolatrous.
A clear distinction between medicine and magical healing developed only gradually.
The evolution of attitudes towards physicians, beliefs connecting illness and sin, prayers for healing, and the use of folk healing traditions.
Jewish "healing" is more about providing communal support than about curing the sick.
Curing with supernatural powers is viewed with skepticism in Judaism.