Q. We are celebrating an important Siyum Hashas for our group of lerners in a few days. We have invited a large crowd to a catered seuda that is also a fundraising event essential for our shul.
Sadly l'a our Maggid Shiur became severely ill and will not be able to attend. We chose the most and best learned attendant to the shiur to perform the siyum in his place. The shaila is that not he or anyone else has learned the totality of Shas, besides the Maggid Shiur. Can we make now a siyum when no one can claim to have learned it all by himself? Likely all together yes, but how can one stand up and say "As I have finished ...?" Moving the siyum at this late stage is not an option.
A. On question 195 regarding a fleishig siyum on the Nine Days, if each one in the group learned only a few dafim leiluy nishmas a friend and then they joined for the siyum, We wrote: "The source for celebrating the conclusion of the study of a tractate of the Talmud is found on Talmud Shabbat (118b): Abaye said: “May I be rewarded for that when I saw that a disciple had completed a tractate, I made it a festive day for the scholars”. I would seem from this saying that we are considering the study of an entire tractate by at least one individual, although many may be learning together. Igrois Moishe (O.H. 1:157) proving why we may do a siyum banquet on the termination of a mitzva that involves a lengthy time span, quotes the Talmud and Rashbam in Baba Basra (121). It mentions that the 15 day of Av was considered a day of rejoicing, as it marked the conclusion of the cutting of the wood needed for the altar. Igrois Moishe explains that it was not made a compulsory day of celebration or an occasion that requires a seudas mitzva, since no single individual cut the whole wood supply required, rather it was done by many.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that indeed, we require at least one individual to complete the whole tractate, and then the many who are friends or related acquaintances, may join for the seudas mitzvah."
On the present question, Horav Shlomo Millers Shlit'a opinion is that although there may not be an obligation to make a siyum, one may still celebrate the Siyum Hashas, even if none have learned the complete Shas, since they are all partners in one single mitzva and endeavor. It is similar indeed to the conclusion of the cutting of the wood needed for the altar done by many, that was declared a Tom Tov. Additionally, it is very likely that at least one of the participants finished a complete tractate of the Talmud.
The Rov added that when the learners put indeed all their effort and exert themselves to come to a daf for over seven years, they do became one unit and it may indeed counted as if all of them have together finished Shas, which may not be the case regarding a siyum on the Nine Days, if each one in the group learned only a few dafim for being able to eat a fleishig meal.
The Rov recommended that the nusach of the words at the siyum should be said in plural, including all the learners.
Also public recognition should be given to the Magid Shiur, who may be watching it from his location. Additionally, Tehilim and a mi sheberach should be recited by all, for his refuah shleima
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
