Q. See question above. Kvod Horav, as you know we have a shiur for Yeshiva Bachurim and young married men, in which we promote not only the learning of Torah, but more even also the writing of Chidushim and even ‘Vorts’ that we publish in a monthly journal that is well appreciated by all families in our community.

We would very much like to make a Siyum on this coming Friday Erev Parshios Chukas – Balak, to strengthen the group, on the day we mourn for the many wagons replete of Sefarim and priceless and irreplaceable manuscripts, (it predated the printing age), that were burned in Paris by agents of the Church and King Louis IX.

We feel that it is a very appropriate time for our great commitment. Is that correct?

A. As mentioned in question above, for those same reasons the day was declared a day of fasting.

Although, few fast on that day in our times, and the purpose of your Siyum is most correct and to be commended and encouraged, yet the Rov recommends to avoid a meat or significant Seuda on that day. A smaller meal or Kiddush for the Siyum is proper
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a