Getting a tattoo is a big decision.

I know. I’ve got several. When people see them – four ravens and/or crows, two totems, one family crest, a bit of Latin, a Haida myth, a New Order lyric, family member initials – they’re often surprised.

KINSELLA: Jewish man alleges Toronto tattooist refused to ink tattoo celebrating life and God Back to video

Tattoos can be controversial.

For many Jews, tattoos are even more controversial. Some note that Jewish law – as decreed in Leviticus 19:28 – strictly forbids tattoos. The human body is effectively on loan from God, and it is not to be immutably altered, according to this interpretation of the Torah: “You shall not … incise any marks on yourselves.”

Notwithstanding that, tattoos are now pretty common among modern Jews, especially in Israel. For the third time in less than two years, I’m heading to Israel on a press mission – and I can assure you: Leviticus has fully lost the divine debate about getting inked.

But still, when a Jew decides to get a tattoo, like most of us, it is no small thing. It’s something they generally aren’t doing on a whim.

Benjamin Miller is 50-year-old former public servant in Toronto. He decided he wanted a small Star of David tattoo, with the Hebrew word “chai” at........

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