Siyum for DH ideas/menu

groovy1224

Wed, Jun 13 2012, 8:22 am

DH is finishing shas, and he's going to the big siyum but also wants to have a separate siyum at home. I really want to make it nice for him, since he's worked really hard and it's such a big accomplishment, but I've never been to a real siyum before, and have NO idea how to make one.
Is it like a sit down dinner, similar to a sheva brachos? Would I kind of make and appetizer, soup, a main, and dessert and serve it? Or maybe more of a buffet style? Do I make challah rolls so people can wash?
I imagine we'd be inviting family that live in the area, some close friends, and some rabbeim- does that make sense? Do women go to these things, or would most of them stay home with the kids?
I would have it catered just to make it easier, since by the time the siyum rolls around iy"H I'll be 7 months preg with our first, but I'd also like to keep the budget down as much as reasonably possible while still making it beautiful and nice for DH.
If anyone's ever made a siyum, or even been to one, what was it like? If I sound clueless, it's bc I totally am in this area!!! Help please!! Smile

Thanks!

mamaleh

Wed, Jun 13 2012, 9:49 am

A siyum is a seudas mitzvah, so a sit-down, multi-course meal is definitely appropriate.
How elaborate and whether you have women or not is really your choice.
In terms of cooking vs. catering, some restaurants (& caterers) have less expensive take-out 'party' options, especially if you set-up, serve, & clean-up yourself. It might be worth considering, depending on your location. If you are near Lakewood I can give you some ideas.

m in Israel

Wed, Jun 13 2012, 11:39 am

As mamaleh said, it is definitely appropriate to have rolls, etc. It is a seudas mitzvah, and I certainly would compare it to how you would make a sheva brachos -- or at least a bris. But just like there are many variations in how people make other simchos, this can vary, too. My father recently made a siyum on Shas, and my mother decided to set the table with the rolls and appetizers, but serve the main course as a buffet, as we had a lot of people there (basically all family, but we have a lot of family!), and it was just easier. Then dessert we served individually at the seats. When I've made siyumim for my husband with a smaller group, I've served a sit down meal. My MIL likes just ordering takeout -- deli platter type of things, with some salads and sides.

In my family the woman have always come, but that may differ according to what makes you and your husband comfortable.

Mazel Tov!!!!!