Rav Moshe Sternbuch and the Rounded Luchos

Various sources suggested that the inspiration to make the tops of the Luchos rounded might have come from a verse in Mishlei. The verse (3:3) states, “Write them on the Luchos of your heart.” Perhaps therefore the tops of the Luchos were rounded to somewhat resemble a heart. Of course, just making the Luchos curved on top does not make them actually resemble a heart, but the universal heart symbol, which it does somewhat resemble, can be traced back to the 1400s.

Even if the innovation was introduced by a gentile, in any case, the Luchos in shuls aren’t scale models; they are just a rough representation. They are imprecise models in many ways, so what’s the big deal if they deviate from the originals with their rounded tops, as well?

Moreover, recent research has uncovered an illustrated handwritten Machzor from 700 years ago. This German manuscript depicts the Luchos as rounded. There is no reason to believe at this point that the rounded innovation was the work of a gentile.

In regard to the public display of the Aseres HaDibros, Rav Sternbuch didn’t feel that it was much of a problem, either. The situation mentioned in the Mishnah Berurah is having the Aseres HaDibros displayed by itself; that it can lead an observer to wonder why the Aseres HaDibros is given more prominence than any other section of the Torah. But in regard to a Luchos display, the intent is to display an artistic rendition of the Luchos. To complete that image, the Aseres HaDibros are written on it. They are just being used to complete an artistic creation of the Luchos in particular. The observer will see that it is just a work of art. (Further, one can argue that the Aseres HaDibros are extremely abbreviated on the Luchos artwork. It is clear then that it is just for artwork. In the Mishnah Berurah’s case, the entire Aseres HaDibros is spelled out.)

Still, for the sake of peace in the shul, Rav Sternbuch recommended that a craftsman be hired to square off the round edges of the Luchos. He commented that everything that is done for the tzibbur should preferably be done in a way that is agreeable to all. But he cautioned against anyone else protesting about Luchos with a rounded top, something that has widespread acceptance in Klal Yisrael. Still, initially, if one is making such a Luchos display, the corners should preferably be square, as Chazal say they were.