The final week before Shavuot features the final chapter of Pirkei Avot, the Chapters of Big Ideas. The leading Mishna of this Chapter Six states that:

אמר רבי מאיר כל העוסק בתורה לשמה זוכה לדברים הרבה… 

Said/Taught Rabbi Meir: “Anyone who occupies themselves in the study and practice of Torah for its own sake (Lishma) merits many positive outcomes.”

The term “shem” connotes that the object of the study should be intentional and focused, and the actions derived from this study should be laser-directed at the precise subject…the name.

But a name only allows for the identification of a subject or an object. A name defines, within our mind, a specific person, their physiognomy, what we recognize as the “other.” The name doesn’t automatically represent or define the individual, their values, their ideals, their souls, their essence. The name of a Mitzvah or a subject of study in the sea of Torah does not represent its........

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