Shnayim Mikra Ve-echad Targum - Laws

Laws

As above, the basic obligation of Shnayim mikra ve-echad targum involves reciting the Hebrew text of the weekly portion twice and then reciting Targum Onkelos once.

• The proper formula involves reading each verse of the week's portion twice in a row, followed by the Targum translation of that verse. The next verse is then recited in that order, until the end of the portion. Other authorities (e.g. the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:11) recommend dividing the text into its closed and open paragraphs as set out in a Torah scroll and in most printed copies, reading each paragraph as a whole, first twice in Hebrew and then once in Targum.

• While listening to the Torah in synagogue, one can read the text along with the reader and count it towards one recitation of mikra.

• By “Targum,” the Talmud refers to the Targum Onkelos. Numerous authorities say that the commentary of Rashi is also acceptable. Some maintain that it would be appropriate for one to study both Rashi and the Targum. If one does not have time for both, however, most poskim agree that Targum takes precedence over Rashi. The Mishnah Berurah concludes that if one cannot understand the commentary of Rashi, he may use a translation that conforms with traditional interpretations of the text; as an example, the book Tzena u’Renah in Yiddish is suggested.

• Ideally, Shnayim mikra ve-echad Targum should be recited in its entirety on Friday after the morning prayers while wearing Tefillin and Tallit. If one was not able to read the portion on Friday morning then he should do so on the Sabbath after the morning prayer and before the meal. Whoever cannot read the weekly portion on Friday due to obligations such as work, and finds doing so difficult on the Sabbath, should divide the portion during the preceding week. Thus on Sunday, one should read until the end of the second Aliyah, on Monday till the end of the third Aliyah, etc., so that come Friday, he will have completed his weekly obligation.

• The Hebrew text should be recited with cantillation and with proper pronunciation. The Targum, however, should not be recited with cantillation.

• One must be diligent to read the portion with no interruptions. If one is very thirsty, he may stop and drink (with before and after blessings).

• After completing the weekly portion, the last verse should be read in Hebrew again so as not to complete the portion in the Targum translation. According to the HIDA (Rabbi Chaim Joseph David Azulai), the last verse should be read twice.

• When a Yom Tov falls on a Friday, the weekly portion should be read on the Sabbath before the lunch meal. Some hold that Shnayim mikra ve-echad targum may be read on Yom Tov itself.

• On the day of Hoshana Rabbah (any part of the daytime), Shnayim mikra ve-echad targum should be read for the V'Zot HaBerachah portion.

• Remah, Moshe Isserles, on 285:7 states that similarly reciting the Haftarah is customary although not obligatory (see Minhag). Other sources, e.g. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch ad. loc., likewise mention this custom. When (and if) the Haftarah for a bridegroom is read, one nevertheless reads the regular Haftarah here.