Studying Mishnah is mentioned in all the holy books as being auspicious for elevating the soul of the deceased, and it brings him much gratification in Heaven and greatly benefits his soul – and, as the Shlah wrote – משנה (Mishnah) has the same letters as נשמה (neshamah – soul). This is also written in the book Magen Ha’elef, that studying Mishnayos for the soul of the deceased is of great benefit to him. And the Sages say that Asher, the son of our forefather Yaakov, sits at the entrance to Gehinom (Gehenna), and saves everyone who learns Mishnah. And this is what is written, “From Asher, his bread will have richness (shmenah שְׁמֵנָה),” the letters of shmenah are the same as those of משנה (Mishnah) – this is his bread. Therefore, many of the great rabbis requested in their wills that people would learn Mishnayos for the benefit of their souls. And thus writes Rabbi Akiva Eiger (1761-1837) in his will: “If I die, they should publicize my death in the newspapers with a note – that I request from my students and friends that they learn during the first year after my death, every day, one chapter of Mishnayos, to bring merit to my soul. And also on my yartzheit each year.”