Memorial for the Deceased without Elevation of the Soul
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Question
Is there any significance in creating a memorial for the deceased without the elevation of the soul, such as naming a street after them, etc.?
Answer
Shalom Rav,
In the Torah, it is mentioned several times that people created memorials for themselves without the elevation of the soul. They named cities after themselves, and Absalom also erected a monument for himself. The Mishnah states: "A monument is made on his grave."
However, see the words of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, who criticized Nebo for naming his name on trees and stones.
Source
Numbers 32:42, Mishnah Shekalim 2:5.