Yearning For More

The Midrash (beginnig of Vakiyra) connects the 48 times the Torah says not to oppress a convert with the 48 times is says the word באר in the Torah. What is the connection and what does it have to do with the beginning of Vakiyra? The Mei Hashiloach explains that the maximum capacity a person can reach is the level of 50 gates of understanding, Moshe was given the level of 49. How does one attain the maximum level of understanding? By having a strong, burning desire for understanding Torah. The באר symbolizes a deep, bubbling desire and yearning for the words of Torah and that is why it is mentioned 48 times. A ger also converted because he was a person that found inspiration, develop that desire to acquire Torah that he changed his life entirely. He adds that is why there are 48  קרשים in the Mishkan corresponding to the way to maintain a House for Hashem is through max desire. The source of this inspiration may be what the Ishbitzer cites from the Zohar that there are 48 daily drops that come from the Heavens. The Zohar says these drops were where the 48 prophets got there inspiration form. Says the  Ishbitzer, Moshe Rabbenu was called, ויקרא, meaning Hashem gave Moshe the capability to deepen his yearning and longing for Torah greater than anyone else and hence he merited to obtain 49 gates of wisdom. (The Avodas Yisrael Avot 2:8) says that was the praise of R' Eliezer that he was a בור סיד שאינו מאבד טיפה, he felt every day these drops of wisdom coming into the world and he made sure not to lose any of them.) 

ביום הזה באו מדבר סיני Rashi says ביום הזה as opposed to ביום ההוא tells us that words of Torah should be as fresh as if they were given today. This is in the context of preparing for Torah. It is the desire to acquire Torah, the feeling that it is fresh, that ensures a successful kabbalas haTorah. 

This is the avodah of sefirah. We are to climb the gates of wisdom through gate 48 by expressing our desire to acquire the Torah by counting with anticipating joy to Matan Torah. Moshe Rabbenu bestows gate 49 upon us and then gate 50 we do not count, that has to be a gift from Hashem.  

This is one of the reasons Rus is read on Shavuot. She was a giyores who demonstrated the desire to cleave to Torah despite many hardships (see also Sfas Emes Shavuot 5647.)