I'm not a tattoo kinda' guy. The concept has never really appealed to me. I'm sure somewhere along the line I've been influenced by Judaism's prohibition against tattooing. There's long been a belief that Jews with tattoos cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery. That's not exactly true. But, as a rabbi, if it dissuades Jews from taking prohibited action, I'm happy to let the rumored belief perpetuate itself.
Post-WWII, Jews have negative associations with tattoos. If you've ever seen a Holocaust survivor's tattooed arm displaying a concentration camp number, you'd understand. Forced bodily desecration was just one more way for the Nazis to control and dehumanize their innocent victims.
Two years ago, on Labor Day weekend, I found myself in line with my family, awaiting the sweet indulgence of Brewster's ice cream. My gaze fixated on a man in line whose arms were tattooed with Nazi insignias. My heart skipped a beat and a promised myself I would confront the man. I waited for a subtle moment after the man got his ice cream when, calmly, I explained that the symbols that he wore so publicly were deeply offense. I'm not sure if I accomplished anything beyond avoiding the regret I would feel if I just walked away, and, perhaps, setting an example for my daughters, who were blissfully ignorant of the entire exchange, that it is important to stand up for your principles.
All this said, I've always been impressed by the Ironman tattoo. I've seen more than a few Ironman finishers proudly wearing the famous M-Dot emblem of the Ironman Triathlon.
It's worn as a badge of honor, earned by hours after miles of training, and a finishing time of 17 hours flat or faster. I've looked upon those tattoos and their bearers with admiration and a tinge of envy. If ever I were to get a tattoo, that would be it upon the competion of my first Ironman. I too would wear it with pride, and probably a tinge of quiet arrogance. But alas, even if I finish Ironman Madison within the time limit, it's just not an option for me.
It's worn as a badge of honor, earned by hours after miles of training, and a finishing time of 17 hours flat or faster. I've looked upon those tattoos and their bearers with admiration and a tinge of envy. If ever I were to get a tattoo, that would be it upon the competion of my first Ironman. I too would wear it with pride, and probably a tinge of quiet arrogance. But alas, even if I finish Ironman Madison within the time limit, it's just not an option for me.
I've found an acceptable alternative. I've had some IronJew temporary tattoos made for laughs. My daughters wear them proudly on their forearms. I've put one on my calf and it'll remain there until it washes off.
I'll decorate my body in IJ colors at each one of my triathlons in the summer of 2012. I debated with myself whether it was appropriate to wear it before finishing an Ironman. Would it be like wearing the race t-shirt before running the race, or accepting the finisher's medal after failing to make it to the finish? No, it wasn't the same. I told myself that this was different. I will always strive to be the IronJew whether or not I ever officially become an Ironman. Though it may resemble the coveted M-Dot, the IJ logo is subtly different enough to represent both more and less at the same time.
I'll decorate my body in IJ colors at each one of my triathlons in the summer of 2012. I debated with myself whether it was appropriate to wear it before finishing an Ironman. Would it be like wearing the race t-shirt before running the race, or accepting the finisher's medal after failing to make it to the finish? No, it wasn't the same. I told myself that this was different. I will always strive to be the IronJew whether or not I ever officially become an Ironman. Though it may resemble the coveted M-Dot, the IJ logo is subtly different enough to represent both more and less at the same time.
Who is the IronJew? It's really anybody who is inspired by his passions, who lives by his principles and who doesn't easily say, "no," or "I can't". The IronJew is Jewish, or not, and his values and commitment to help others motivates him to perservere when it feels impossibly hard. My pursuit of the Ironman is only one step in my journey to become the IronJew. Why can I wear the IJ colors before I finish the IM? Become one never becomes the IronJew. Rather, in his commitment to continually striving, he simple is the IronJew.
Join me if you will. Whatever your goal, your passion or your inspiration, whatever your faith, whatever your causes and whatever your challenges won't you be the IronJew?
Want to wear the colors, too? Make a donation of $5 or more to CURED by clicking: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/matthewfield/pigvomit, and email me your address at mfield@tberochester.org and I'll send you a IJ tattoo. Wear it with pride and know that you helped my nephew, Noah, in the process!
Discover, support, feed the IronJew within!
Tattoo you!!
Tattoo you!!
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