Monuments have dominated many recent news cycles. In truth, many iconic monuments define the values of a culture - from the Lincoln Memorial to the Great Sphinx.
The Jewish nation is instructed to construct a monument upon entering the Land that will define the character of the new state. Massive tablets were to be erected, inscribed with the entire Torah in seventy languages. Once erected, the words were to be concealed with plaster (See Devarim 27:3-5, Rashi ad loc).
The question is obvious: if these words were inscribed for all to read, why were they then obscured? Would anyone think to plaster over the inscription on the Liberty Bell to preserve its pristine condition?
Perhaps our tradition is imparting a critical message. What's written on the surface has no great significance. The essence of Torah must be internalized. In fact, surface observance devoid of depth experience can pervert the intention entirely. Torah Law is intended to transform the inner core of our being. The true inscription is hidden to the naked eye. Our challenge is to crack beneath the plaster.
