The Torah commands in Parashat Shoftim (Debarim 16:22), “Ve’lo Takim Lecha Maseba Asher Saneh Hashem Elokecha” – “You shall not erect for yourself a monument which Hashem your G-d despises.” This verse introduces the prohibition against erecting a monument, such as from stone or earth, the way idolaters would build structures for their pagan worship. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that even if one’s intention in building the monument is for the service of Hashem, it is nevertheless forbidden, because the Torah seeks to distance us as much as possible from anything that even resembles idol worship.
This prohibition applies in all places and in all times, and is binding upon both men and women. One who erects a monument in violation of this command is liable to Malkut.
The Sefer Ha’hinuch implies that this command forbids only erecting a monument for religious purposes. Indeed, a number of Poskim, including Rav Yishak Weiss (1902-1989), in Minhat Yishak (1:29), ruled that it is permissible to erect a monument to commemorate an event, such as a military victory, or to honor a distinguished person. They maintained that this prohibition refers specifically to monuments erected for religious worship, and not those built solely for commemorative purposes. It should be noted that Rav Bension Meir Hai Uziel (1880-1953), in Mishpeteh Uziel, writes that it is far preferable to honor somebody by donating to a yeshiva and supporting Torah scholars, rather than erect a monument commemorating his achievements. Although such a monument is not forbidden, nevertheless, the money would be better spent facilitating Torah study.