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I have seen information from rabbonim saying that no one should fast during these troubled times.<br>
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>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</div>
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<p>A. It customary for a <em>bechor</em> (firstborn) to fast <em>erev Pesach</em> to commemorate the miracle that the Jewish firstborn did not perish during the final plague of
<em>Makas Bichoros</em>. However, the <em>bechor</em> is not required to fast if he attends a
<em>siyum</em>. It has been common practice to have a <em>siyum</em> available in
<em>shul</em> so that the firstborn of the congregation can participate (M.B. O.C 470.10). What should be done this year, when
<em>shuls</em> have tragically closed their doors ?</p>
<p>Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach maintains that in extenuating circumstances one can listen to the
<em>siyum</em> on the phone. Although most <em>poskim</em> do not allow hearing <em>
Havdalah</em> or <em>Kiddush</em> on the phone because they are hearing a simulated sound and not the person’s actual voice, nonetheless a
<em>siyum</em> is different. Presumably, this is because participation in the <em>
siyum</em> cancels the fast because of the <em>simcha</em> associated with the event. One can share in the celebration by listening on the phone as well (Ma’adanei Shlomo).</p>
<p>When a <em>siyum</em> is in<em> shul</em>, if a <em>bechor</em> did not hear the
<em>siyum</em> but participated in the <em>seuda</em> following the <em>siyum</em>, some rule that he may not break his fast (Harav Elyashiv, Siddur Pesach K’hilchaso page 168). Others are more lenient (Teshuvos v’Hanhagos 1:300 quoting Harav Y.Y. Kanievsky)
because one shares the <em>simcha</em> even by eating at the <em>seuda</em>. Reb Moshe Feinstein is also lenient (Moadei Yeshurun P.132 ).</p>
<p>In the reverse case where one hears the <em>siyum</em> but does not partake in the
<em>seuda</em>, Harav Elyashiv (ibid) and Teshuvos Devar Yehoshua 2:81) consider the fast terminated. On the other hand the Minchas Yitzchok (9.45 ) rules that a minimum of 2 fluid ounces of food or drink need to be consumed to be considered that he participated
in the <em>siyum</em>.</p>
<p>In light of the conflicting opinions cited above, it is best to hear the <em>siyum</em>, and then eat something substantial afterwords at the
<em>seuda</em>.</p>
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