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Siyum Masechet

Source: Halachipedia: Siyum Masechet

Link: https://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Siyum_Masechet

Categories: Learning Torah

Exported: 2025-12-30

When one completes a Masechet (tractate) of Gemara, it is a Mitzvah to rejoice and celebrate with a Seudat Mitzvah.¹ It is considered a Seudat Mitzvah for others who didn't learn the Masechet, as well.²

Procedure of a Siyum

  1. One reads the last part of the Masechet, recites the Hadran, the list of Rav Papa's ten sons, the "Vehaerev Na" prayer, and Kaddish.³
  2. Kaddish De'itchadeta is commonly recited at the conclusion of the Siyum.⁴ Some recite Kaddish DeRabbanan.⁵
  3. The Maharshal suggested that "Shehasimcha Bimono" should be added to the Zimun at a Siyum, but his suggestion has not been accepted.⁶

What Learning Entitles One To Make a Siyum

  1. If one learned an entire Maasechet except for one paragraph, it’s sufficient for a Siyum.⁷
  2. It is not necessary to study the entire masechet in order.⁸
  3. If someone studies through one of the books of the holy Zohar, it is considered an act of genuine Torah study even if he does not understand any of the mystical meanings of the passages. Celebrating the completion of these books is sufficient to exempt a firstborn from fasting on the 14th of Nissan.⁹

Tachanun

  1. Tachanun is not recited at the Tefillah following or preceding a Siyum.¹⁰

Who May Not Attend a Siyum

  1. A firstborn who is within a year of mourning for his father or mother may nevertheless attend the celebration of the completion of a masechet on the 14th of Nissan to exempt himself from fasting.¹¹
  2. Likewise, someone within the thirty-day mourning period for another immediate relative (Shloshim) may attend such a celebration, as well.¹²
  3. However, someone within the seven-day mourning period (Shiva) may not attend such a celebration. See below about Erev Pesach.¹³
  4. One who usually fasts for his parent's Yahrzeit may attend a Siyum and break his fast.¹⁴

Taanit Bechorot

The Nine Days

When Else a Siyum May or May Not Be Made

See Not_Bundling_Mitzvot, Chol_HaMoed, Having_Simchas, and Having a Meal on Erev_Shabbat, Siyum on Friday

See Also

  1. Making a Siyum by R' Moshe Dovid Lebovitz

References

¹: Shabbat 118b, Rama Yoreh Deah 246:26

²: Moed Kattan 9a, Shach, Yoreh Deah 246:27

³: Aruch HaShulchan, Yoreh Deah 246:44

⁴: Yalkut Yosef Tefillah vol.1 56:33 and vol. 2 110:17

⁵: Aruch HaShulchan, Yoreh Deah 246:44

⁶: Yam Shel Shlomo (Bava Kama 7:37), Aruch HaShulchan (Yoreh Deah 246:45)

⁷: Halichot Shlomo 8:2

⁸: Yalkut Yosef 470:20

⁹: Yalkut Yosef 470:19

¹⁰: Sh"t Yabia Omer 4:13 writes that one doesn't say Tachanun in the davening right before a siyum just like the mishna in Taanit (31a) says that in they made a holiday on Tu BeAv because certain families finished for the season the mitzvah of chopping wood for the Bet HaMikdash.

¹¹: Yalkut Yosef 470:24

¹²: Yalkut Yosef 470:24

¹³: Yalkut Yosef 470:24

¹⁴: Aruch HaShulchan, Yoreh Deah 246:45