Yes, a person with a tattoo can be buried in a Jewish cemetery with full Jewish burial rites (including Kever Yisrael (Jewish Burial), Taharah (Ritual Purification) by the Chevra Kadisha, and recitation of Kaddish).
This is the unanimous position of all major halachic authorities in both Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities today. The idea that a tattoo prevents Jewish burial is a widespread myth—often perpetuated as a "scare tactic" by well-meaning parents or educators—but it has no basis in halacha.
Bottom line: Getting a tattoo is a serious prohibition in the Torah that requires Teshuva (repentance), but it does not affect eligibility for Jewish burial. The myth likely started as a strong deterrent (similar to "you'll never get married" or "you'll burn in hell" warnings), but halachically it is simply not true.
If someone is dealing with this personally (either for themselves or a loved one), the correct approach is encouragement toward Teshuva, not fear of burial denial.
_____________
Question asked by: Reena Freedman Watts (Houston, Texas)
To be featured on an upcoming Hey Rabbi Episode, email your video question to: heyrabbi@torchweb.org
Released as Podcast on January 9, 2026
_____________
Listen, Subscribe & Share:
_____________
About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email:
awolbe@torchweb.org_____________
Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at
torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!
_____________
Listen More
Other podcasts by
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:
Keywords:
#heyrabbi, #Tattoo, #Burial, #Jewish, #Law, #Teshuva
★ Support this podcast ★