Dear Kiddo,

I got the WhatsApp message you sent in which you made a case for getting your ears pierced on Ben Yehuda Street based on the following:

1. “Everyone” is going to do it
2. Ben Yehuda is a “good place”
3. Others have already got it done and “no one got infected”
4. You will get a “normal piercing”  
5. You will keep it clean and away from dirt
6. You will only touch it when your hands are perfectly clean and it won’t get dirty on Shabbat
7. The “HOLY LAND” (in all caps) is “close to G-d”
8. It would be an amazing experience and you are very responsible

I have to say that I’m impressed with your ability to put forth a logical, persuasive argument.  I know that after watching 28 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, you are thinking of being of a surgeon, but please do not rule out becoming a Supreme Court Justice.  We could use a liberal woman in the Supreme Court. Ohio is trying to pass a law saying that only male legislators can decide if a woman can get her ears pierced (it’s an extension of the heartbeat bill).

I know I’m no match for you, but here is my response to each of your points:

1. “Everyone” is doing it is a strong reason NOT to do it!  
2. Ben Yehuda is a “good place” to buy a falafel or a T-shirt that says “IDF” on it.  It is not a good place to have a stranger pierce your body with a needle.
3. I don’t know who these others are who have already gotten this done, but it’s too early to tell if they have gotten infected with Hepatitis B or C, HIV, or any other letters of the alphabet.  We will know more by middle of next week when we see if their ear lobe turns black and falls off. Also, just in case you’re going to ask about this–there are people who survived jumping onto a subway track, but that is no guarantee the next guy will, and it is not recommended.
4. I am scared to ask what an abnormal piercing is…
5. If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times:  Never rub your ear lobe in the dirt…
6. …especially on Shabbat.  I’m glad you finally learned that lesson!
7. There are ways of being holy in the “HOLY LAND” besides being hole-y.  Also, G-d is everywhere, even in America, in a doctor’s office, where they follow laws about sanitization to minimize risk of infections.  
8. You ARE very responsible, which is why you asked me ahead of time.  That’s why I will let you get your ears pierced this summer if you still want to (after you see what happens to the Ben Yehuda cohort).  I’ll even pay for it. 😃

In short, the answer to the Ben Yehuda piercings (of the normal or abnormal kind) is a resounding “NO”.

Love,

Mommy

P.S.  Also, I want to be there.