עברית
Halachot and Customs
What Is the Proper Order for Reading Shenayim Mikra Ve-Echad Targum?
Question
In G-d's help, how does one read Shenayim Mikra Ve-Echad Targum: twice the verse and then Onkelos? Once the verse, once Onkelos, and then the whole section? Does it matter when during the week to learn it? What is preferable, Onkelos or Rashi? Thank you very much!!!
Answer
Peace and blessings
One should say the verses twice first and then the translation. There are three customs regarding this: some say verse by verse, and some say section by section, pausing at a samech-setuma or peh-petuha. And there are those who recite the entire portion twice as verses and then the translation. One should follow the custom of one’s fathers, and if one does not know it, one should act as one chooses. It should be completed on Friday, but if there is not enough time on Friday, it may be advanced to the middle of the week. If one did not finish during the week, it may be completed on Shabbat, and as early as possible, ideally before the evening meal. If one did not manage that, it should be done before the morning meal. If even that was not possible, at least before the Torah reading at Mincha.
It may be completed until Sunday evening, and some say until Tuesday evening, and some say until Simchat Torah. And in the Shulchan Aruch it is brought that one should read both Onkelos and Rashi, because the translation was received at Sinai, and Rashi explains the verses well. If both are not possible, the poskim wrote that Rashi is preferable, but this is provided that one learns Rashi well. However, if the study is not sufficiently strong, it is better to read the translation.
With blessings - Binyamin Shmueli
