The statement comes from an anonymous authority living in Israel sometime before the year 200. The debate has raged ever since as to what the early rabbi could have meant. And to prove his point, he adduces this week's parashah .
Archeologists say it was commonplace back then to erect inscribed stone memorials.
They were called steles. What makes this even more interesting is the context in which Moses gives his instruction. The Israelites are finally entering Israel. They are, if you like, establishing their home, on a par with what we do when we move into a new house or apartment that we have just bought. And maybe, words of Torah.