Vayechi-Escorting the Dead: Eternal Company

“So I praised enjoyment.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15)  Rabbi Yonah taught that we cab build a conceptual structure from this verse adds, “this will accompany him in his toil, during the days of his life.” “days of toil” is this world. “The days of his life” is in the grave. Is there eating and drinking in the grave to accompany a man there? This actually refers to a person’s Torah learning and good deeds which accompany him to the grave. (To advocate for him before the Heavenly Tribunal and bring eternal life.) (Kohelet Rabbah)

When we escort the dead, we are actually acting out how the person’s learning, growth and accomplishments accompany him for Eternal Life.