And you shall not set up a monument, which Hashem, your G-d, hates, for yourself. (Devarim 16:22)
The Torah forbids the construction of a matzeivah (a monolith; a monument made of one stone), saying that Hashem hates them. Rashi notes that surprisingly, the patriarchs all erected matzeivos, some as monuments and others as alters upon which to offer sacrifices to Hashem. Rav Moshe Feinstein in Darash Moshe is puzzled that nowadays, it is common to erect a matzeivah as a tombstone over a grave. Why is this practice not in violation of the prohibition against erecting matzeivos?
Rav Moshe suggests two possibilities to help us better understand the concept of matzeivah. First, he examines the root of the word matzeivah: “hutzav,” which means “stationed,” “positioned,” or “standing.” Prior to the giving of the Torah, the mitzvos were all voluntary. Then, a person could turn to G-d and say, “Look what I’ve done; I deserve a reward for my deed.” They could be proud of a past voluntary act, with no obligation for tomorrow. The matzeivah was a symbol of a past achievement, a monument to memorialize a past event.
However, after the Torah was given, mitzvos became a matter of daily obligation. There is no justification for demanding a reward or commemoration for a past action, since no job was ever truly completed. That is why matzeivos are prohibited. While we are alive, we cannot stand still, as the root of matzeivah suggests. Only once we are dead is it possible to reflect on our legacy and accomplishments, and therefore, we can build a matzeivah over a grave.
A second, albeit connected, idea, says Rav Moshe, is based on a well-known thought of the ba'alei mussar that angels are referred to as “omdim,” those who stand. Human beings are called “mehalchim,” those who walk and move. Rather than being complacent with our past accomplishments, we must constantly seek to forge ahead and overcome the next challenge.
Life is like going up a downward escalator. If we just stand still, we will descend. We must constantly be growing. One can be proud of their accomplishments, keeping in mind that it is but one stop on the journey. In the words of Rav Moshe, one must never cease to ascend in his study of Torah and fulfillment of the mitzvos, both in terms of quality and quantity.
Prior to Matan Torah, when all religious observance was voluntary, any achievement was laudatory and commendable. There was no pressure to keep growing in spirituality. Thus, a stationary stone, commemorating a past achievement, was appropriate. However, post-Matan Torah, when life is all about growth, matzeivos become obsolete.
Let us always strive to reach for the spiritual stars.
