
May one combine the celebration of a wedding together with a Siyum and Hachnasas Sefer Torah?
In theory, an argument can be made that doing so is forbidden due to the rule of “Ein Mearvim Simcha Besimcha,” which some authorities hold is a biblical restriction, and for which reason it is forbidden to get married during Chol Hamoed. The reason for this is simple; as we do not want any one of the two joys to be diminished as a result of the second joy and desire that each joy receive its full attention. Nonetheless, practically, we do not find any source for a prohibition of “Ein Mearvim Simcha Besimcha” aside for the case mentioned above of getting married during the festival, or with regards to joys that are biblically or perhaps even rabbinically mandated. However, joys that are done due to custom such as that of a Siyum Sefer Torah, what not be included in this prohibition. Seemingly, the reason for this is because only a wedding and a festival and the like is considered a true joy, a wedding being considered a true joy due to the marriage, and a festival being considered a true joy due to the command of the Torah to rejoice. Accordingly, the Poskim rule that it is permitted for one to celebrate a Seudas Bris Mila and Pidyon Haben, and Siyum Misechta and Siyum Sefer Torah during the festival, and the same should apply with a wedding. Nonetheless, some suggest that one should have a special food designated on behalf of the Siyum Sefer Torah in order to also get it some special attention.
See Michaber O.C. 546:4; 688:6; Taz 546:4; Moed Katan 9a; Tosafus Moed Katan 8b and 9a; Yerushalmi Megillah 1:5; Peri Chadash 419; 668; Encyclopedia Talmudit 1 p. 772-775 “Ein Miarvin Simcha Besimcha”; Minchas Yitzchak 4:; Bayis Neman vol. 34 of Rav mazuz; Or Torah 596 p. 71
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