Recently, I met a great person through Instagram. We bonded over a mutual love of makeup and after trading a few messages, I found out that she was raised Orthodox. This surprised me since she had many tattoos!  Judaism forbids it and because of forced branding in the Holocaust, the subject of tattoos can be a touchy one. (Of course, I’m never one to shy away from controversy. 😉 )

Crystal Creamer was extremely gracious and offered to write a guest post about her unique views. While I am against tattooing, I greatly admire her honesty and creative spirit. She certainly has a beautiful soul and a true love for Judaism.  

I am an Orthodox Jewish lady. I am also a strong supporter of tattooing. To most, that would be a contradiction, but for me, it’s just natural. My love for tattoos goes way back. I have always been artistic, and as a young girl, I would always draw on myself and get in trouble.

I can remember the first time I saw someone with ink: It was out at the market with my family. I was so in awe that someone could have permanent artwork on their body that I went up to the man and asked: “What are those? What is it like to be covered with all that work and never have to draw it on over and over?” He told me it was an expression of himself and that our bodies are a canvas to outwardly show the world how we want to be perceived with our thoughts/beliefs.

Not only did that cement my love of body art, but it also shaped another aspect of my life (career choice of being a Cosmetologist). I’m a firm believer that peoples actions and words show their true heart. Because I was raised in an Orthodox family, my ideas were considered very radical. In the beginning, they were not supportive but eventually came to accept them and me. Now, both of my siblings have tattoos, too!

To me, Judaism and tattooing can mix in the modern world as it is an artistic expression, just like putting on my makeup everyday. Ink doesn’t change who we are deep down inside or beliefs. Most Jews disagree with that. One view is that tattoos are discouraged in Judaism because God wants us to be set apart from others. I think living by the Mitzvahs is what distinguishes us.

We are a unique, strong and determined nation which I feel so proud/blessed to be part of. I understand that by putting ink all over my body, I will not be able to be buried in an Orthodox Cemetery. But I still believe that it’s truly what is in your heart, along with how you live that makes a difference, not an outward appearance.

Either way, it’s up to each person whether they feel that tattooing or not would be right. Regardless of our differences, we are all Jews and we should be united, no matter what!

About the Author:

Crystal Creamer is a talented Cosmetologist who specializes in styling Sheitels (wigs) for Jewish women and providing private haircuts for women who follow modesty laws or preferences. Also a Makeup Artist and Model, she love all things beauty. Currently working on an Esthetician license, she will soon be offering skincare services to clients.  

Crystal resides in Panama City, FL with daughter Hallie, featured in the   picture above with her constant travel companion “Drama Llama.” You can connect with her on Instagram.

Do you know a younger gal or guy that is actively working to make the New York Jewish community a better place? Nominate them for 36 Under 36 – an annual competition that recognizes activists, educators, artists and other folks who are standouts.

The only restrictions are age (36 and under as of December 31, 2018) and location (must currently live or work in New York).

I think it’s extremely important that younger folks are encouraged to be active in Judaism and Zionism. They are the future, after all, and a little well-deserved publicity can make a huge difference.

The following is a snippet from a series of emotional emails that a reader sent to me. It has been reprinted with her permission. I share it not to create controversy, but to clarify. I think this is a very sensitive topic that many people are afraid to address.

“My name is Bethany and I have been subscribing to your blog since 2015. Since I’ve been reading for so long, I feel like I know you. I am intrigued by your ideas and it’s obvious you are genuine, but I worry so often that you are missing out on life’s greatest gift: Jesus Christ.

Christ unifies us. I pray that you will come to know Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior. Jesus is the Messiah for all mankind, not just Christians. I wish that Jews could see what they’re missing. Jesus is here for you, for everyone. All you have to do is be born again and you will become whole through His love. Jesus is the only truth.”

Because Bethany and I have discussed this at length, in a respectful and honest way, I think she’s being sincere. (I receive enough hateful comments to know the difference.) When someone approaches me politely, I am willing to provide an equally polite answer.

Throughout my life, I have heard similar statements. When I was much younger, it would upset me. At this stage of my life, it doesn’t concern me one bit, because I don’t need other people’s approval. I am secure in myself and my faith. Their opinion, their faith, and their truth does not determine what I believe.

Jews and Christians have many things in common. We both acknowledge the same God, yet we interpret Him differently. Every human being has a soul and each soul will connect with God in their own way. There isn’t one road; there are many and each one is equally valid.

While I would never claim to know all the answers, I am positive that Judaism is right for me and other religions are not. What is right for another person, I would never dare to say, because it’s none of my business and quite frankly, I don’t care.

I do not need Jesus Christ. He is not my Messiah. He is not my truth. He is not, in any way, a part of my belief system. Why? Because I am Jewish and that is not part of the Jewish faith. I have never felt that I’m missing out or inferior because of it.

If someone wants to believe in Jesus, that’s perfectly fine, provided it’s their free will. There is no lack of literature regarding Christianity and any curious person can access it, for free, anywhere, at any time. I seriously doubt there is a member of the Jewish community that has not heard about Jesus at some point. I am not confused, or misinformed, or rejecting “the truth” as other people may see it. I believe my way and they can believe their way.

I understand that for many Christians, spreading the Gospel is huge. They knock on doors, send flyers in the mail, and dispatch missionaries all around the world. They feel “it” and they want others to feel the same.

Judaism is the complete opposite—we don’t advertise, we don’t encourage conversion and faith is always regarded as a private matter. It’s a “Live and Let Live” attitude, which is the best way to be—no force, no coercion, no judgment.

Open dialogue and constructive discussion is great. Anyone who is firm in their own faith should welcome it. Jews and Christians should be friends, not enemies. Interfaith activities are important, and if each side is there to listen, rather than instruct, we can learn so much. We should have an open door policy, in our houses of worship and our homes, and welcome others.

I am not offended by Bethany’s statements and I hope she isn’t offended by mine. But there is nothing she can say, nothing anyone can say, that will change my mind about Jesus Christ. If thousands of years of persecution, an Inquisition, Pogroms, and a Holocaust hasn’t dissuaded the Jewish People, nothing will. We’ve made our choice and we’re not budging. Please let us go; I promise we’ll be fine.

Contrary to popular opinion, Jews and Muslims in America are not enemies. Both communities deal with constant abuse and isolation. This should bring us together and a recent tragedy in Texas demonstrates how easily it can.

After a suspicious fire destroyed the mosque in Victoria, Texas, the local synagogue offered their space for worship. The mosque, which has 100 members, and the synagogue, which has 35, are located in a city of 67,000 people.

Three churches and an office space were also offered, showing that the entire community at large is pulling together and being good neighbors. I fully support interfaith activities and believe we must help others who are in need. This isn’t about favoring one religion over another or proselytizing; it’s about different faiths coming together as a human race to love, support, and encourage each other.

Despite the different ways in which we worship and the different beliefs we hold, all Jews, Muslims, and Christians have the same God. We are brothers and sisters in faith. Let’s stop the petty fighting and concentrate on what’s important.

As for the mosque, they’ll have no trouble rebuilding—over one million dollars has already been raised through GoFundMe. Pretty amazing!