Question:
My problem is small, but seems insumountable to me at this point.
Through my wasted years I covered myself in tattoos. I have been trying
to get them removed but it is very costly.
Is there any obligation to remove tattoos?
Answer:
- There is no obligation to remove tattoos if this entails any *chabala*
(physical damage). If, however, the tattoo can be painlessly removed
by certain types of lasers, then it would be recommended.
Many but not all types of tattoo can be removed by laser therapy. Check
suitability with a skilled dermatologist.
- If I may guess, probably the poster's primary motivation is personal
unease of the fact that people see those tattoos - otherwise, he would
not talk about it as a big "problem". But is it really such a problem?
I recall hearing one recently-observant guy asking a question what
he should do regarding upcoming Thanksgiving dinner with his [very
upscale] family - skip it? bring his own kosher turkey? don't eat anything?
what will people say? the answer was - start with being the first to laugh
at yourself! if you can not - you have a problem.
I would use the same attitude towards people who may (or most probably
not) have a wrong attitudes towards those signs of your poast
- It could be. Suppose the guy's got a great big tattoo of a naked
lady on his arm, right where his tfillin go. I can see how he
might feel a bit strange and awkward is shul in the morning.
