You're not alone. King Solomon, the wisest of men, grappled with this too. In Ecclesiastes 8:15, he declares, "I praised joy, as there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat, drink, and rejoice."

But what does that really mean? Is Solomon advocating for a life of pure hedonism? A never-ending feast?

Well, maybe not.

The Rabbis, in the collection of Midrashic interpretations known as Kohelet Rabbah, dig a little deeper. They ask a pretty profound question: What kind of "eating and drinking" truly sustains us, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime...and beyond?

Rabbi Tanhuma shares an interpretation from Rabbi Naḥman, son of Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman. (And to add to the chain of tradition, Rabbi Menaḥama – or some say Rabbi Yirmeya and Rabbi Meyasha – also chimed in, all in the name of Rabbi Shmuel bar Rav Yitzḥak!). Their collective wisdom suggests something remarkable: every time Ecclesiastes mentions eating and drinking, it's actually referring to Torah and good deeds.

Wait, what? Eating Torah?

Rabbi Yona brings it home. He points to the verse's continuation: "[There is nothing better…than to eat, drink, and rejoice]. That will accompany him in his toil [ba’amalo]" (Ecclesiastes 8:15). Notice that word, ba’amalo? It means "in his toil," but Rabbi Yona cleverly reads it as beolamo, "in his world," meaning this world.

So, this joy accompanies us in this world "during the days of his life" – all the way to the grave. But hold on… are there buffets in the afterlife? Are we taking Tupperware containers filled with brisket and kugel to our final resting place? Probably not.

That’s the point! The Rabbis are pushing us to understand that the "food and drink" that accompanies us even to the grave aren't literal. They represent something far more enduring: the Torah we learn, the mitzvot (good deeds) we perform, the acts of kindness we extend. These are the things that truly nourish us and leave a lasting impact.

Think about it. A delicious meal is wonderful, but its pleasure is fleeting. A moment of joy can be exhilarating, but it fades. But the knowledge we gain from studying Torah, the satisfaction we derive from helping others – these create ripples that extend far beyond our own lives.

So, what does it mean to truly "eat, drink, and rejoice?" It’s not about chasing ephemeral pleasures. It’s about feeding our souls with meaning, purpose, and connection. It’s about engaging with Torah, performing good deeds, and building a legacy of kindness that will accompany us long after we’re gone. It's about finding joy in the things that truly matter, the things that echo into eternity. What will you choose to feast on today?