A Siyum During the Nine Days
Question
If someone is invited to a siyum of a tractate during the period of Bein HaMetzarim, and music is planned to be played there, but he will not be able to arrive at the beginning of the event and will therefore miss the actual recitation of the siyum, may he nevertheless remain there, eat meat, and listen to music during these days?
With regards and thanks
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah
Music: singing by mouth is permitted. Recorded songs are permitted only if they are customarily played at britot during the rest of the year; however, one should refrain from bringing an orchestra and from dancing in a circle [even if they are not jumping].
Many Sephardim are lenient regarding an orchestra and dancing [if this is their usual practice throughout the year].
Eating meat: during the week in which Tisha B’Av falls, it is permitted only for the one making the siyum, his relatives who are disqualified from testifying about him [men and women], and an additional minyan of people.
In the cases in which it is permitted, it is permitted even for someone who was not present at the siyum itself, but is participating in the siyum event.