Rabbi Yossei the son of Ya’akov was one of the 10 students of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai who were taught in the Idra Rabbah (a cave in Meron). These 10 students learned from Rabbi Shimon the most profound secrets of the Torah.
One time after Rabbi Shimon taught the secrets of creation to the holy group at the Idra Rabbah, he realized that Rabbi Yosei and two more students passed away and their souls were soaring up to Heaven carried by Heavenly angels. Since he was afraid their death was a punishment for revealing the Torah secrets, Rabbi Shimon called out to the angels and they stopped, he then said:
“Perhaps this is a punishment for revealing secrets which weren’t revealed since the time of Moshe Rabbeinu, and if so what is the purpose of me being here?”
A voice came out of Heaven and announced: “Rabbi Shimon, this is no punishment, but rather the great desire and urge of these students to cleave to G-d, is what caused their souls to leave their bodies and sore up to Heaven.”
Some time later Rabbi Shimon was sitting with his student Rabbi Abba who was still upset of the death of his friends. Rabbi Shimon used the power of holy name and they were both able to see the souls of Rabbi Yosei and the 2 other deceased Tzadikim, led by angels and enjoying the pleasures of Heaven. When Rabbi Abba saw this he was appeased and glad for his friends’ good fortune.
Rabbi Yosei the son of Ya’akov was buried in the cave of the Idra Rabba in Meron.