If a person finishes shas by listening to tapes and or cds, but never says any of the words. Is he obligated in making a siyum or is it his choice? Also. is this considered learning? The person does think and often talks to himself in learning as to what is being said?
Answer:
Finishing shas by means of tapes is considered learning, and a siyum should certainly be made.
Mazal Tov for the siyum!
Sources: The Vilna Gaon (Orach Chaim 47, glosses to se'if 4) writes as simple that thinking about Torah is a fulfilment of the mitzvah to study Torah. It can be assumed that the Shulchan Aruch, although ruling that a berachah is not made over thinking about Torah, concurs with this, but maintains that the berachah over Torah is only recited when Torah is studied in speech.
