Meet Noah Elder, Jewish Tattoo Artist in Chicago
Meet Jewish Tattoo Artist of Chicago, Noah Elder, who is one of the only local artists specializing in custom Hebrew lettering tattoos. Originally from Highland Park and a proud MSU alum, Noah is changing the game for custom Hebrew lettering tattoos in the city and suburbs. Beyond the ink, his commitment to Tikun Olam, evident in his work with Healing Ink who work to cover the scars of those affected by mass violence. This is part of ChiTribe’s Jewish Person of the Week series, but we are getting more specific each week! Nominate your friends here>>
PSA as you read: Though the Torah technically forbids tattooing, Jews with tattoos can still buried in a Jewish cemetery.
Chabad.Org
Follow Noah on Instagram @the.tattoo.jew
Learn all about Noah and follow him on Instagram for more Hebrew tattoos.
I service much of the Chicagoland Jewish population looking for Hebrew tattoos. Additionally, I try and find as many opportunities in my work to practice Tikun Olam. I recently began working with an organization called Healing Ink, which is a small project under the Artists 4 Israel umbrella organization. We arrive on location where a mass violence attack has occurred, and provide free tattoos to victims and first responders.
Noah Elder, Jewish Person of the Week
Where did you grow up?
I grew up most of my life in Highland Park, IL.
What did you do Jewish growing up?
I was heavily involved in Young Judaea, along with being active in my father’s Congregation Hakafa, where I taught Hebrew and Sunday school for many years in High School.
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Michigan State University in 2020 with a BFA in Graphic Design, a Photography minor, and a Comic Arts minor.
What do you do Jewish now?
I service much of the Chicagoland Jewish population looking for Hebrew tattoos. Additionally, I try and find as many opportunities in my work to practice Tikun Olam. I recently began working with an organization called Healing Ink, which is a small project under the Artists 4 Israel umbrella organization. We arrive on location where a mass violence attack has occurred, and provide free tattoos to victims and first responders. These are incredible events, shoutout Craig Dershowitz and Rick Matros for all they do with Healing Ink. I also offer free coverup tattoos for hate tattoos, as I want to remove this imagery from the world. These are just two ways I am fortunate enough to practice my Jewish values I was raised on in my work.
What is your favorite way to spend shabbat?
I love to spend Shabbat weekly with my Mom’s side of the family, it has been something we have done as a family almost as long as I can remember.
Top three things on your Chicago bucket list?
Go to a Bears game (never been)
Eat at Alinea (way too expensive for me but would love to try it someday!)
See another championship win for the Bulls! (Been too long!)
What is your favorite Jewish Chicago event?
I LOVE the Israeli Film festival that comes to Chicago yearly.
What do you do to relax?
When I want to relax, it’s usually just hanging out with the team from my shop or spending time with my dog. I can be somewhat of a homebody when I’m not working.
What’s your go-to self-care?
Nice hot shower, a cup of coffee, and a good podcast in my ear.
What was the best song from your Bar Mitzvah days?
Gotta be DJ Got us Fallin in Love Again by Usher, that song always slapped.
If you could get a meal with any famous Jewish person (living or not), who would it be and why?
Larry David, easy pick. He’s a comedy legend. I think it would be a pretty, pretty, good time
Contact Noah for Hebrew (and beyond) Tattoo Inquiries
Latin Ink Tattoo Studio | 1016 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
[email protected] @the.tattoo.jew
