In regards to the mitzvah of Shnayim Mikra, the term used by the Gemara and the Shulchan Aruch is to complete the Parsha, which sounds like one should read the entire parsha at one time. The Mishna Berura writes that there are two basic options in the poskim: to read each pasuk twice and then the targum of that pasuk, or to read from a “parsha,” which means from one paragraph – either psucha or stuma until the next.
According to the second opinion – that one reads from a psucha or stuma – there is a question as to the correct way to read a pasuk that has a psucha in the middle of the pasuk. Many poskim rule that one should actually stop in the middle of the pasuk. Others maintain that one should not stop in the middle of a pasuk, rather one should finish the pasuk.
Most poskim write that the correct way is to read the pasuk or parsha twice and then the targum, not to do targum first. This is how the Mishna Berura rules. He does add, in Shaar Hatziun, that if one read the targum after reading the chumash only once it is also good. This was in fact, the custom of the Chazon Ish. He explained that since the targum is here to explain the pasuk, this way, the second time reading the pasuk will be with an understanding of the pasuk.
When to do it
When is the earliest time that one is allowed to start? Tosfos points out that although in regards to some halachos the beginning of the week is still connected to the previous week, here the expression “im hatzibur – along with community” means the whole week. Since we start leining the next parsha at Shabbos mincha, it is considered along with everyone. This ruling of Tosfos is quoted in Shulchan Aruch. But it is interesting that Tosfos writes that the entire week is allowed, which sounds like one can only begin on Sunday, and not on Shabbos. The Shulchan Aruch also writes that one can start on Sunday. However, the Mishna Berura writes that it really means from Shabbos afternoon, since that is when we start leining the next parsha.
When is the best time?
Although, as mentioned one can start in the beginning of the week, there is a discussion as to the most opportune time to do this mitzvah:
- The Magen Avraham quotes the Arizal, who writes that the best is to do the whole parsha on Friday. According to some that means on Friday morning, and according to others it means Friday afternoon.
- He also quotes others that say that one should start on Friday, but one can finish by Shabbos morning.
- The Gra would do a little bit each day – either until a psucha or stuma, or until the end of the topic.
When should one try to finish?
Tosfos quotes a Midrash that Rebbi told his children not to eat bread on Shabbos – which is referring to the seuda by day – until one has finished shnayim mikra. In other words, one should finish before the Shabbos day meal. But the poskim add that this is only lichatchila, the correct way, but one should not push off the meal past chatzos because he has not yet finished shnayim mikra.
Until When?
If one missed this deadline, until when can he still finish? There are three shitos:
- Shabbos Mincha – when we start the next parsha.
- The end of Tuesday – which for some halachos is still connected to the previous week.
- Simchas Torah – when we finish the entire Torah.
Summary
There are different ways how to do Shnayim Mikra, either pasuk by pasuk or each section. Most say to read the chumash twice and then the targum. The best time is either Friday or a little bit each day. One should finish before the Shabbos day meal. If one missed this deadline, one can still finish until Shabbos Mincha, Tuesday or Simchas Torah.
Rabbi Scheiner
