Siyum

21 Jun 2006

[m., pl. “Siyumim”]; completion of a text, or of a course of study; a graduation. In the case of certain religious texts, the “Siyum” is accompanied by a ceremony, marking the event as a festive occasion. For example, on “Simchat Torah,” the Jewish People makes a “Siyum” on the Written Torah; that is, the Five Books of Moses. Or as in “The Rabbi and his students made a “siyum” on a Tractate of the Talmud.”