Shabbatשבת

Shnayim Mikra v'Echad Targum: Practice and Interpretations

These sources explore the mitzvah of reading the weekly Torah portion twice in the original text and once in translation, including classical obligations stated by the Rambam, Talmudic principles governing the public reading, and modern interpretations addressing whether Rashi's commentary may substitute for Targum Onkelos and how to enhance the study with additional commentaries.

שְׁנַיִם מִקְרָא וְאֶחָד תַּרְגּוּם

28 sources · 22 verified

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What the sources say

The core obligation of Shnayim Mikra ve-Echad Targum is set out plainly: the Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Tefillah 13:25) and the Shulchan Arukh (Orach Chaim 285:1-2) both require that even though one hears the entire weekly portion read publicly in shul, one must still read it privately twice in the Hebrew and once in the Aramaic targum, down to a verse like 'Atarot v'Divon' that is composed only of place names. Berakhot 8b (8b:1) gives the source and the reward, quoting Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi's instruction to his sons to complete their portions with the congregation, and promises length of days and years to one who does so, a point also developed by Tiferet Yisrael (13:7).

On whether Rashi's commentary may substitute for the Aramaic targum, the Shulchan Arukh (Orach Chaim 285:1-2) states that studying the portion with Rashi's commentary carries the status of targum, though the God-fearing reads both targum and Rashi; Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Shut HaRav HaRashi 19:2) and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Maamar Mordechai Hilchot Shabbat 2:41) likewise hold that on the plain reading Rashi may be read in place of Onkelos, while according to the kabbalistic view targum itself is required, so the stringent reader includes both. Rav Eliezer Melamed (Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat 5:9) situates this development historically, explaining that once Aramaic was no longer understood, the question arose whether a vernacular translation or Rashi's commentary could substitute for Onkelos. Avnei Yashfeh (8:65) likewise favors Rashi over targum generally, while advising that a verse whose grammatical point in Rashi is not understood be read three times.

As to the mechanics of the reading, Nishmat Shabbat (vol. 2:311) records two valid practices—reading verse by verse or section by section—citing authorities for each and accepting a compromise of reading a section once and then each verse with its targum; Rav Eliezer Melamed (Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat 5:10) confirms that both the Arizal's verse-by-verse custom and the Shelah/Vilna Gaon's section-by-section custom are acceptable, and that completing the reading at any point during the week fulfills the obligation. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Maamar Mordechai Hilchot Shabbat 2:2) explains the purpose of the reading as ensuring that a person knows the mitzvot written in the Torah through the study instituted by the Sages, and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Maamar Mordechai Hilchot Shabbat 2:43) recommends adding a further commentary each year, such as the Ibn Ezra or the Sforno, alongside Rashi and targum. Avnei Yashfeh (6:54) raises further procedural questions, including whether one must stand for the Aseret HaDibrot during this reading and whether silent reading fulfills the obligation.

Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Shut HaRav HaRashi 21:3) distinguishes two separate obligations: reading Shnayim Mikra ve-Echad Targum as codified in the Shulchan Arukh, and hearing the communal Torah reading, noting that the former may be done privately from a chumash with makeup time before or after, unlike the latter.

Several sugyot bear on when and how this private reading may be done relative to the communal Torah reading: the Shulchan Arukh (Orach Chaim 146:2) forbids speaking once the Torah reading has begun but permits quietly reading Shnayim Mikra ve-Echad Targum during the public reading for one who has turned away and signaled he is not listening to the reader; this is grounded in the silence required once the scroll is opened, as taught in Sotah 39a (39a:2) and in the sequencing of reader, blessing, and translator described in Sotah 39b (39b:5). The rules for translating the Torah reading itself—one reader paired with one translator, as opposed to the more lenient practice for the Prophets—are set out in Megillah 21b (21b:1-2), while Megillah 17b (17b:1-3) and Megillah 23b (23b:1-3) discuss related rules of language and of how many verses may be read before pausing for translation, forming the background against which the private practice of Shnayim Mikra developed.

Igros Kodesh (letter 8007) recommends a regular daily regimen that includes studying the weekly Torah portion with Rashi's commentary according to a daily division, alongside Tehillim and Tanya, reflecting a practical daily approach to fulfilling this study.

Rav Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos V'hanhagos 3:98) rules that even according to poskim who permit substituting another commentary for targum, one should nevertheless also read the portion an additional two times with the actual targum, so as to fulfill the mitzvah according to all opinions.

Rav Ephraim Greenblatt (Revavos Ephraim 5:216) records the practices of leading authorities in this area: Rabbi Moshe Feinstein read the portion twice in Hebrew and then with Onkelos, Rashi, and the Ramban, while the Chazon Ish read the Hebrew text, then Onkelos, and then the Hebrew text again so that Onkelos would clarify his understanding, and the source laments the broader decline in attention to studying the translations that earlier authorities had emphasized.

Source 1 · Chazal
Verified

Sotah 39b

סוטה ל״ט ב — ד"ה וְאָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא אָמַר רַב חִסְדָּא

Sotah 39b:5

Chachmei Bavel state that each stage of the Torah reading must await the completion of the preceding one: the congregation waits to answer amen, the reader waits for amen, the translator waits for the verse, and the reader waits for the translation before beginning the next verse.

וְאָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא אָמַר רַב חִסְדָּא: אֵין הַצִּבּוּר רַשָּׁאִין לַעֲנוֹת ״אָמֵן״ עַד שֶׁתִּכְלֶה בְּרָכָה מִפִּי הַקּוֹרֵא, וְאֵין הַקּוֹרֵא רַשַּׁאי לִקְרוֹת בַּתּוֹרָה עַד שֶׁיִּכְלֶה ״אָמֵן״ מִפִּי הַצִּבּוּר, וְאֵין הַמְתַרְגֵּם רַשַּׁאי לְהַתְחִיל בַּתַּרְגּוּם עַד שֶׁיִּכְלֶה פָּסוּק מִפִּי הַקּוֹרֵא, וְאֵין הַקּוֹרֵא רַשַּׁאי לְהַתְחִיל בְּפָסוּק אַחֵר עַד שֶׁיִּכְלֶה תַּרְגּוּם מִפִּי הַמְתַרְגֵּם.

And in a similar vein, Rabbi Zeira says that Rav Ḥisda says: The congregation is not permitted to answer amen to the blessing recited over the Torah reading until the blessing of the one reading from the Torah concludes from his mouth. And the reader is not permitted to begin reading from the Torah until the response amen to the preceding blessing concludes from the mouths of the congregation. And the translator is not permitted to begin the translation of the Torah reading until the reading of the verse from the Torah concludes from the mouth of the reader. And the reader is not permitted to begin reading another verse until the translation concludes from the mouth of the translator.

Source 2 · Chazal
Verified

Sotah 39a

סוטה ל״ט א — ד"ה אָמַר רָבָא בַּר רַב הוּנָא

Sotah 39a:2

Chachmei Bavel state that once a Torah scroll is opened, conversation—even about halakha—is prohibited, deriving this from verses describing the people standing silently and listening exclusively to the Torah reading.

אָמַר רָבָא בַּר רַב הוּנָא: כֵּיוָן שֶׁנִּפְתַּח סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה אָסוּר לְסַפֵּר אֲפִילּוּ בִּדְבַר הֲלָכָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וּבְפִתְחוֹ עָמְדוּ כׇּל הָעָם״, וְאֵין עֲמִידָה אֶלָּא שְׁתִיקָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וְהוֹחַלְתִּי כִּי לֹא יְדַבֵּרוּ כִּי עָמְדוּ לֹא עָנוּ עוֹד״. רַבִּי זֵירָא אָמַר רַב חִסְדָּא, מֵהָכָא: ״וְאׇזְנֵי כׇל הָעָם אֶל סֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה״.

§ Rava bar Rav Huna says: Once a Torah scroll has been opened, it is prohibited to converse, even about a matter of halakha. As it is stated: “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and when he opened it, all the people stood up” (Nehemiah 8:5), and standing is referring to nothing other than silence, as it is stated: “And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?” (Job 32:16). Rabbi Zeira said that Rav Ḥisda said: The prohibition against conversing is derived from here: “And the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law” (Nehemiah 8:3). They were not listening to any other voice.

Source 3 · Chazal
Verified

Berakhot 40a

ברכות מ׳ א — ד"ה רַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר ״בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי דְשָׁאִים״

Berakhot 40a:10-11

Chachmei Bavel report that the halakha does not follow Rabbi Yehuda’s view that each type of herb requires its own blessing, though they explain his reasoning from “Blessed is the Lord, day by day”; they further teach that unlike a human vessel, the Holy One, Blessed be He, adds knowledge to one who is already “full,” as reflected in the interpretation of “if you surely listen.

רַבִּי יְהוּדָה אוֹמֵר ״בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי דְשָׁאִים״. אָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא, וְאִיתֵּימָא רַבִּי חִינָּנָא בַּר פָּפָּא: אֵין הֲלָכָה כְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה. וְאָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא וְאִיתֵּימָא רַבִּי חִינָּנָא בַּר פָּפָּא: מַאי טַעְמָא דְּרַבִּי יְהוּדָה — אָמַר קְרָא ״בָּרוּךְ ה׳ יוֹם יוֹם״. וְכִי בַּיּוֹם מְבָרְכִין אוֹתוֹ, וּבַלַּיְלָה אֵין מְבָרְכִין אוֹתוֹ? אֶלָּא לוֹמַר לָךְ: כׇּל יוֹם וָיוֹם תֵּן לוֹ מֵעֵין בִּרְכוֹתָיו, הָכָא נָמֵי כׇּל מִין וּמִין תֵּן לוֹ מֵעֵין בִּרְכוֹתָיו. וְאָמַר רַבִּי זֵירָא וְאִיתֵּימָא רַבִּי חִינָּנָא בַּר פָּפָּא: בּוֹא וּרְאֵה שֶׁלֹּא כְּמִדַּת הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מִדַּת בָּשָׂר וָדָם. מִדַּת בָּשָׂר וָדָם — כְּלִי רֵיקָן מַחֲזִיק, מָלֵא אֵינוֹ מַחֲזִיק. אֲבָל הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא אֵינוֹ כֵן, מָלֵא מַחֲזִיק, רֵיקָן אֵינוֹ מַחֲזִיק. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״וַיֹּאמֶר אִם שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע״, אִם שָׁמוֹעַ — תִּשְׁמַע, וְאִם לָאו — לֹא תִשְׁמָע. דָּבָר אַחֵר: אִם שָׁמוֹעַ — בַּיָּשָׁן, תִּשְׁמַע — בֶּחָדָשׁ. וְאִם יִפְנֶה לְבָבְךָ — שׁוּב לֹא תִשְׁמָע.

We learned in the mishna that Rabbi Yehuda says that one recites over herbs and leafy greens: Who creates various kinds of herbs. Rabbi Zeira, and some say Rabbi Ḥinnana bar Pappa, said: The halakha is not in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda. And Rabbi Zeira, and some say Rabbi Ḥinnana bar Pappa, said: What is the reason for Rabbi Yehuda’s opinion? The verse says: “Blessed is the Lord, day by day” (Psalms 68:20). The question arises: Is it so that one blesses Him by day and does not bless Him at night? Rather, the verse comes to tell you: Each and every day, give the Lord the appropriate blessings for that day. Here too, with regard to the blessings recited over food, for each and every type of food, give the Lord the appropriate blessings for that food. And Rabbi Zeira, and some say Rabbi Ḥinnana bar Pappa, said: Come and see that the attribute of flesh and blood is unlike the attribute of the Holy One, Blessed be He. The attribute of flesh and blood is that an empty vessel holds that which is placed within it, while a full vessel does not hold it. The attribute of the Holy One, Blessed be He, however, is not so, as if God adds to a person who is a full vessel in terms of knowledge or good attributes, he will hold it; a person who is an empty vessel will not hold it. This is alluded to by the verse where it is said: “And He said, if you will surely listen [shamo’a tishma] to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes” (Exodus 15:26). This verse is interpreted homiletically: If you listen [shamo’a] in the present, you will listen [tishma] in the future as well; and if not, you will not listen. Alternatively: If you listened [shamo’a] to the old, you review what you already learned, then you will listen [tishma] to the new as well. But if you turn your heart away, you will no longer be able to hear.

Source 4 · Chazal
Verified

Berakhot 40b

ברכות מ׳ ב — ד"ה נֵימָא כְּתַנָּאֵי

Berakhot 40b:3-5

Chachmei Bavel compare differing rulings about whether an altered blessing formula fulfills one’s obligation with a Tannaitic dispute: Rabbi Meir permits a blessing that explicitly mentions the food, while Rabbi Yosei requires the formula established by the Sages; the passage explains how Rav Huna and Rabbi Yoḥanan can each agree with both views under different circumstances.

נֵימָא כְּתַנָּאֵי: רָאָה פַּת וְאָמַר: ״כַּמָּה נָאָה פַּת זוֹ, בָּרוּךְ הַמָּקוֹם שֶׁבְּרָאָהּ״ — יָצָא. רָאָה תְּאֵנָה וְאָמַר ״כַּמָּה נָאָה תְּאֵנָה זוֹ, בָּרוּךְ הַמָּקוֹם שֶׁבְּרָאָהּ״ — יָצָא, דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי מֵאִיר. רַבִּי יוֹסֵי אוֹמֵר: כׇּל הַמְשַׁנֶּה מִמַּטְבֵּעַ שֶׁטָּבְעוּ חֲכָמִים בִּבְרָכוֹת — לֹא יָצָא יְדֵי חוֹבָתוֹ. נֵימָא רַב הוּנָא דְּאָמַר כְּרַבִּי יוֹסֵי, וְרַבִּי יוֹחָנָן דְּאָמַר כְּרַבִּי מֵאִיר?! אָמַר לָךְ רַב הוּנָא: אֲנָא דַּאֲמַרִי אֲפִילּוּ לְרַבִּי מֵאִיר, עַד כָּאן לָא קָאָמַר רַבִּי מֵאִיר הָתָם, אֶלָּא הֵיכָא דְּקָא מַדְכַּר שְׁמֵיהּ דְּפַת, אֲבָל הֵיכָא דְּלָא קָא מַדְכַּר שְׁמֵיהּ דְּפַת אֲפִילּוּ רַבִּי מֵאִיר מוֹדֶה. וְרַבִּי יוֹחָנָן אָמַר לָךְ: אֲנָא דַּאֲמַרִי אֲפִילּוּ לְרַבִּי יוֹסֵי, עַד כָּאן לָא קָאָמַר רַבִּי יוֹסֵי הָתָם אֶלָּא מִשּׁוּם דְּקָאָמַר בְּרָכָה דְּלָא תַּקִּינוּ רַבָּנַן, אֲבָל אָמַר ״שֶׁהַכֹּל נִהְיֶה בִּדְבָרוֹ״ דְּתַקִּינוּ רַבָּנַן, אֲפִילּוּ רַבִּי יוֹסֵי מוֹדֶה.

The Gemara remarks: Let us say that this dispute is parallel to a tannaitic dispute found elsewhere, as it was taught in a Tosefta: One who saw bread and said: How pleasant is this bread, blessed is the Omnipresent Who created it, fulfilled his obligation to recite a blessing. One who saw a fig and said: How pleasant is this fig, blessed is the Omnipresent Who created it, fulfilled his obligation. This is the statement of Rabbi Meir. Rabbi Yosei says: One who deviates from the formula coined by the Sages in blessings, did not fulfill his obligation. If so, let us say that Rav Huna, who said that one who recites: By whose word all things came to be, over bread or wine, did not fulfill his obligation, holds in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yosei; and Rabbi Yoḥanan, who said that one who recites: By whose word all things came to be, over bread or wine fulfills his obligation, holds in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Meir. The Gemara rejects this: Rav Huna could have said to you: I said my statement, even in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Meir, as Rabbi Meir only stated his opinion, that one who alters the formula of the blessing fulfills his obligation, there, where the individual explicitly mentions the term bread in his blessing, but where he does not mention the term bread, even Rabbi Meir agrees that he did not fulfill his obligation. And Rabbi Yoḥanan could have said to you: I said my statement, even in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yosei, as Rabbi Yosei only stated his opinion, that one who alters the formula of the blessing does not fulfill his obligation, there, because he recited a blessing that was not instituted by the Sages; however, if he recited: By whose word all things came to be, which was instituted by the Sages, even Rabbi Yosei agrees that, after the fact, he fulfilled his obligation to recite a blessing.

Source 5 · Chazal
Verified

Megillah 21b

מגילה כ״א ב — ד"ה תָּנָא

Megillah 21b:1-2

Chachmei Bavel state that in Torah reading one person reads and one translates, while in reading the Prophets one person may read and two may translate; Hallel and the Megilla may be read and translated by up to ten people because their cherished status ensures that the congregation pays attention despite multiple voices.

תָּנָא: מַה שֶּׁאֵין כֵּן בַּתּוֹרָה. תָּנוּ רַבָּנַן: בַּתּוֹרָה — אֶחָד קוֹרֵא וְאֶחָד מְתַרְגֵּם, וּבִלְבַד שֶׁלֹּא יְהֵא אֶחָד קוֹרֵא וּשְׁנַיִם מְתַרְגְּמִין. וּבַנָּבִיא — אֶחָד קוֹרֵא וּשְׁנַיִם מְתַרְגְּמִין, וּבִלְבַד שֶׁלֹּא יְהוּ שְׁנַיִם קוֹרִין וּשְׁנַיִם מְתַרְגְּמִין. וּבַהַלֵּל וּבַמְּגִילָּה — אֲפִילּוּ עֲשָׂרָה קוֹרִין וַעֲשָׂרָה מְתַרְגְּמִין. מַאי טַעְמָא? כֵּיוָן דַּחֲבִיבָה — יָהֲבִי דַּעְתַּיְיהוּ וְשָׁמְעִי.

It was taught: This is not the case with regard to reading the Torah, which may be read only by a single person. The Sages taught (Tosefta, Megilla 3:20): When reading from the Torah, one person reads and one may translate the reading into Aramaic for the congregation, provided that there are not one person reading and two people translating, because two voices cannot be heard simultaneously. And when reading from the Prophets, one person reads and two may translate, as there is less of a need to ensure that everyone hears the precise translation, as the Prophets do not teach halakha. This is the case provided that there are not two people reading and two translating. And when reciting hallel and reading the Megilla, even ten people may read and ten may translate. The Gemara asks: What is the reason that the Megilla may be read by several people at once? Since the Megilla is cherished by the congregation, they will pay close attention and hear it, and they will not become distracted by the different voices.

Source 6 · Chazal
Verified

Megillah 17b

מגילה י״ז ב — ד"ה ״וְהָיוּ״

Megillah 17b:1-3

The passage presents a debate over the interpretation of verses concerning Shema: whether it must be recited in Hebrew or may be recited in any understood language, whether it must be audible, and whether its words must be recited in their proper order.

״וְהָיוּ״, בַּהֲוָיָתָן יְהוּ. וְרַבָּנַן, מַאי טַעְמָא? אָמַר קְרָא: ״שְׁמַע״, בְּכׇל לָשׁוֹן שֶׁאַתָּה שׁוֹמֵעַ. וְרַבִּי נָמֵי, הָא כְּתִיב: ״שְׁמַע״? הַהוּא מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ: הַשְׁמַע לְאָזְנֶיךָ מַה שֶּׁאַתָּה מוֹצִיא מִפִּיךָ. וְרַבָּנַן — סָבְרִי כְּמַאן דְּאָמַר הַקּוֹרֵא אֶת שְׁמַע וְלֹא הִשְׁמִיעַ לְאׇזְנוֹ יָצָא. וְרַבָּנַן נָמֵי, הָכְתִיב ״וְהָיוּ״? הַהוּא מִיבְּעֵי לֵיהּ שֶׁלֹּא יִקְרָא לְמַפְרֵעַ. וְרַבִּי, שֶׁלֹּא יִקְרָא לְמַפְרֵעַ מְנָא לֵיהּ? מִ״דְּבָרִים״ ״הַדְּבָרִים״. וְרַבָּנַן — ״דְּבָרִים״ ״הַדְּבָרִים״ לָא מַשְׁמַע לְהוּ.

“And these words…shall be” (Deuteronomy 6:6), teaching that these words, the words of the Shema, always “shall be” as they are, i.e., in the Hebrew language. The Gemara asks: And as for the Sages, what is the reason for their opinion? The verse states: “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4), which could also be translated, “Understand, O Israel,” indicating that you may recite these words in any language that you hear, i.e., understand. The Gemara asks: And according to Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi as well, isn’t it indeed written, “hear”? What does he learn from this word, if not that the Shema may be recited in any language? The Gemara answers: This word is necessary to teach something else: Make heard to your ears what your mouth is saying, i.e., the Shema must be recited audibly, not merely thought in one’s heart. The Gemara asks: And how do the Sages know this? The Gemara explains: They hold like the one who said that if one recites the Shema but does not make it audible to his ears, he has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation. The Gemara asks: And according to the Sages as well, isn’t it indeed written, “And these words shall be”? What do they learn from this, if not that the Shema must be recited in Hebrew? The Gemara answers: That word is necessary to teach that one must not recite the words of the Shema out of order, but they “shall be” as they are, in the proper order. The Gemara asks: And from where does Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi learn that one must not recite the Shema out of order? The Gemara answers: He derives it from the fact that the verse does not say just: Words, but “the words,” referring to specific words, which teaches that they must be recited in their proper order without any variation. The Gemara asks: And what do the Sages learn from the phrase “the words”? The difference between words and “the words” is inconsequential according to them.

Source 7 · Chazal
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Taanit 30b

תענית ל׳ ב — ד"ה תְּנַן הָתָם

Taanit 30b:2-4

Chachmei Bavel discuss the customs and restrictions of Tishah BeAv, stating that one should refrain from labor, eating, and drinking, and that mourning for Jerusalem is a condition for meriting to see its future joy.

תְּנַן הָתָם: מָקוֹם שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ לַעֲשׂוֹת מְלָאכָה בְּתִשְׁעָה בְּאָב — עוֹשִׂין, מָקוֹם שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ שֶׁלֹּא לַעֲשׂוֹת — אֵין עוֹשִׂין. וּבְכׇל מָקוֹם, תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים בְּטֵלִים. רַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר: לְעוֹלָם יַעֲשֶׂה כָּל אָדָם עַצְמוֹ כְּתַלְמִיד חָכָם. תַּנְיָא נָמֵי הָכִי, רַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר: לְעוֹלָם יַעֲשֶׂה אָדָם עַצְמוֹ כְּתַלְמִיד חָכָם, כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּתְעַנֶּה. תַּנְיָא אִידַּךְ, רַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר: כׇּל הָאוֹכֵל וְשׁוֹתֶה בְּתִשְׁעָה בְּאָב — כְּאִילּוּ אוֹכֵל וְשׁוֹתֶה בְּיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים. רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא אוֹמֵר: כׇּל הָעוֹשֶׂה מְלָאכָה בְּתִשְׁעָה בְּאָב — אֵינוֹ רוֹאֶה סִימַן בְּרָכָה לְעוֹלָם. וַחֲכָמִים אוֹמְרִים: כׇּל הָעוֹשֶׂה מְלָאכָה בְּתִשְׁעָה בְּאָב וְאֵינוֹ מִתְאַבֵּל עַל יְרוּשָׁלַיִם — אֵינוֹ רוֹאֶה בְּשִׂמְחָתָהּ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״שִׂמְחוּ אֶת יְרוּשָׁלִַים וְגִילוּ בָהּ כׇּל אֹהֲבֶיהָ שִׂישׂוּ אִתָּהּ מָשׂוֹשׂ כׇּל הַמִּתְאַבְּלִים עָלֶיהָ״, מִכָּאן אָמְרוּ: כׇּל הַמִּתְאַבֵּל עַל יְרוּשָׁלַיִם — זוֹכֶה וְרוֹאֶה בְּשִׂמְחָתָהּ, וְשֶׁאֵינוֹ מִתְאַבֵּל עַל יְרוּשָׁלַיִם — אֵינוֹ רוֹאֶה בְּשִׂמְחָתָהּ. תַּנְיָא נָמֵי הָכִי: כׇּל הָאוֹכֵל בָּשָׂר וְשׁוֹתֶה יַיִן בְּתִשְׁעָה בְּאָב — עָלָיו הַכָּתוּב אוֹמֵר: ״וַתְּהִי עֲוֹנוֹתָם עַל עַצְמוֹתָם״.

§ We learned in a mishna there: In a place where people were accustomed to perform labor on the Ninth of Av, one performs labor. In a place where people were accustomed not to perform labor, one does not perform labor. And in all places, Torah scholars are idle and do not perform labor on the Ninth of Av. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says: With regard to the Ninth of Av, a person should always conduct himself as a Torah scholar and refrain from performing labor. This is also taught in a baraita: Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says: A person should always conduct himself as a Torah scholar, so that he will feel the hardship of the fast. It is taught in another baraita that Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says: Whoever eats and drinks on the Ninth of Av, although the prohibition was instituted by the Prophets, it is as though he eats and drinks on Yom Kippur. Rabbi Akiva says: Whoever performs labor on the Ninth of Av never sees a sign of a blessing from that work. And the Sages say: Whoever performs labor on the Ninth of Av and does not mourn for Jerusalem will not see her future joy, as it is stated: “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad with her, all who love her; rejoice for joy with her, all who mourn for her” (Isaiah 66:10). From here it is stated: Whoever mourns for Jerusalem will merit and see her future joy, and whoever does not mourn for Jerusalem will not see her future joy. This is also taught in a baraita: Whoever eats meat or drinks wine in the meal before the Ninth of Av, about him the verse states: “And whose iniquities are upon their bones, because the terror of the mighty was in the land of the living” (Ezekiel 32:27).

Source 8 · Chazal
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Kiddushin 66b

קידושין ס״ו ב — ד"ה וּבֶן גְּרוּשָׁה וּבֶן חֲלוּצָה דַּעֲבוֹדָתוֹ כְּשֵׁירָה

Kiddushin 66b:10-12

Chachmei Bavel present three scriptural derivations that the service of the son of a divorced woman or the son of a ḥalutza is valid after the fact, including service performed before a fit priest later became disqualified.

וּבֶן גְּרוּשָׁה וּבֶן חֲלוּצָה דַּעֲבוֹדָתוֹ כְּשֵׁירָה, מְנָלַן? אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר שְׁמוּאֵל: דְּאָמַר קְרָא: ״וְהָיְתָה לּוֹ וּלְזַרְעוֹ אַחֲרָיו״ – בֵּין זֶרַע כָּשֵׁר וּבֵין זֶרַע פָּסוּל. אֲבוּהּ דִּשְׁמוּאֵל אָמַר: מֵהָכָא: ״בָּרֵךְ ה׳ חֵילוֹ וּפֹעַל יָדָיו תִּרְצֶה״ – אֲפִילּוּ חוּלִּין שֶׁבּוֹ תִּרְצֶה. רַבִּי יַנַּאי אָמַר: מֵהָכָא: ״וּבָאתָ אֶל הַכֹּהֵן אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם״, וְכִי תַּעֲלֶה עַל דַּעְתְּךָ שֶׁאָדָם הוֹלֵךְ אֵצֶל כֹּהֵן שֶׁלֹּא הָיָה בְּיָמָיו? אֶלָּא זֶה כָּשֵׁר וְנִתְחַלֵּל.

The Gemara asks a question with regard to the halakha of the baraita: And from where do we derive that the service of the son of a divorced woman or the son of a ḥalutza is valid after the fact? Rav Yehuda says that Shmuel says: As the verse states with regard to Pinehas the priest: “And it shall be for him and his seed after him the covenant of an everlasting priesthood” (Numbers 25:13), which includes both fit seed and unfit seed. This teaches that the service of a priest is valid after the fact even if he was disqualified. Shmuel’s father said that the proof text is from here: It states in the blessing of the tribe of Levi: “Bless, Lord, his substance [ḥeilo], and accept the work of his hands” (Deuteronomy 33:11). The word ḥeilo is expounded as including even the service of his profane ones [ḥullin], which God will accept after the fact. Rabbi Yannai said: The source is from here, a verse stated with regard to first fruits: “And you shall come to the priest who shall be in those days” (Deuteronomy 26:3). But can it enter your mind that a person can come to a priest who is not alive in his days? What then is the meaning of the phrase “in those days”? Rather, this is referring to a fit priest who later became established as a ḥalal. All his previous days of service are considered those of a fit priest.

Source 9 · Chazal
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Berakhot 8b

ברכות ח׳ ב — ד"ה וַאֲפִילּוּ ״עֲטָרוֹת וְדִיבֹן״

Berakhot 8b:1

Chachmei Bavel state that even verses consisting solely of place-names, such as “Atarot and Divon,” must be read twice in the Torah text and once in translation, because completing the weekly portions with the congregation brings lengthened days and years.

וַאֲפִילּוּ ״עֲטָרוֹת וְדִיבֹן״. שֶׁכָּל הַמַּשְׁלִים פָּרָשִׁיּוֹתָיו עִם הַצִּבּוּר מֵאֲרִיכִין לוֹ יָמָיו וּשְׁנוֹתָיו. כְּדַאֲמַר לְהוּ רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי לִבְנֵיהּ: אַשְׁלִימוּ פָּרָשְׁיוֹתַיְיכוּ עִם הַצִּבּוּר שְׁנַיִם מִקְרָא וְאֶחָד תַּרְגּוּם.

This applies to every verse, even a verse like: “Atarot and Divon and Yazer and Nimra and Ḥeshbon and Elaleh and Sevam and Nevo and Beon” (Numbers 32:3). While that verse is comprised entirely of names of places that are identical in Hebrew and Aramaic, one is nevertheless required to read the verse twice and its translation once, as one who completes his Torah portions with the congregation is rewarded that his days and years are extended. As Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi told his sons: Complete your portions with the congregation, the Bible text twice and the translation once.

Source 10 · Chazal
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Megillah 23b

מגילה כ״ג ב — ד"ה כְּנֶגְדּוֹ נָמֵי לָא בָּעֵי

Megillah 23b:1-3

Chachmei Bavel explain that although a haftara generally requires twenty-one verses, fewer may be read when the topic concludes earlier or when a translator is present, to avoid overburdening the congregation.

כְּנֶגְדּוֹ נָמֵי לָא בָּעֵי. מַתְקֵיף לַהּ רָבָא: וַהֲרֵי ״עוֹלוֹתֵיכֶם סְפוֹ״, דְּלָא הָוְיִין עֶשְׂרִין וְחַד, וְקָרֵינַן! שָׁאנֵי הָתָם, דִּסְלֵיק עִנְיָינָא. וְהֵיכָא דְּלָא סָלֵיק עִנְיָינָא לָא? וְהָאָמַר רַב שְׁמוּאֵל בַּר אַבָּא: זִמְנִין סַגִּיאִין הֲוָה קָאֵימְנָא קַמֵּיהּ דְּרַבִּי יוֹחָנָן, וְכִי הֲוָה קָרֵינַן עֲשָׂרָה פְּסוּקֵי, אֲמַר לַן: אַפְּסִיקוֹ! מָקוֹם שֶׁיֵּשׁ תּוּרְגְּמָן שָׁאנֵי. דְּתָנֵי רַב תַּחְלִיפָא בַּר שְׁמוּאֵל: לֹא שָׁנוּ אֶלָּא בִּמְקוֹם שֶׁאֵין תּוּרְגְּמָן, אֲבָל מָקוֹם שֶׁיֵּשׁ תּוּרְגְּמָן — פּוֹסֵק.

it is not necessary to also add corresponding verses in the haftara. Rava strongly objects to this baraita: But there is the haftara that begins with the words: “Add your burnt offerings” (Jeremiah 7:21–28), which does not have twenty-one verses, and nevertheless we read it. The Gemara answers: There it is different, as the topic is completed in fewer than twenty-one verses, and it is not necessary to begin another topic merely to complete the number of verses. The Gemara asks: But is it true that where the topic is not completed, we do not read fewer than twenty-one verses? Didn’t Rav Shmuel bar Abba say: Many times I stood before Rabbi Yoḥanan as a translator, and when we had read ten verses he would say to us: Stop. This indicates that a haftara need not be twenty-one verses. The Gemara answers: In a place where there is a translator, who translates each verse into Aramaic and adds additional explanation, it is different. In that case, it is not necessary for the haftara to consist of twenty-one verses, so as not to overburden the congregation, as Rav Taḥalifa bar Shmuel taught: They taught that twenty-one verses must be read from the haftara only in a place where there is no translator; but in a place where there is a translator, one may stop even before that.

Source 11 · Rishonim
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Mishneh Torah, Prayer and the Priestly Blessing 13:25

משנה תורה, תפלה יג כה

Mishneh Torah, Prayer and the Priestly Blessing 13:25

Rambam states that even one who hears the entire Torah read publicly each Shabbat must personally read that week’s portion twice in the mikra and once in translation, repeating a verse without translation three times, until completing the portions together with the congregation.

אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאָדָם שׁוֹמֵעַ כָּל הַתּוֹרָה כֻּלָּהּ בְּכָל שַׁבָּת בַּצִּבּוּר חַיָּב לִקְרוֹת לְעַצְמוֹ בְּכָל שָׁבוּעַ וְשָׁבוּעַ סֵדֶר שֶׁל אוֹתָהּ שַׁבָּת שְׁנַיִם מִקְרָא וְאֶחָד תַּרְגּוּם. וּפָסוּק שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ תַּרְגּוּם קוֹרְאֵהוּ שָׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִים עַד שֶׁיַּשְׁלִים פָּרָשִׁיּוֹתָיו עִם הַצִּבּוּר:

Source 12 · Acharonim
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Tiferet Yisrael 13:7

מהר"ל, תפארת ישראל פרק יג

Tiferet Yisrael 13:7

Maharal cites the teaching that one should complete the weekly Torah portions with the congregation, even “Atarot and Divon,” and explains that Torah has three levels, beginning with its revealed level accessible to everyone and its concealed level understood only by the wise and discerning.

ובפרק קמא דברכות (ח.), אמר רב הונא ברבי יהודה אמר רבי אמי, לעולם ישלים אדם פרשיותיו עם הצבור, אפילו "עטרות ודיבון" (במדבר לב, ג), שכל המשלים פרשיותיו עם הצבור מאריכין לו ימיו ושנותיו. וביאור ענין זה, שיש לתורה ג' מדרגות; המדרגה האחת, מדרגה הנגלית לכל אדם. המדרגה השנית, הוא הנסתר בתורה, שאינו מובן רק לחכמים ולנבונים.

Source 13 · Acharonim
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Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim

שולחן ערוך, אורח חיים קמ״ו:ב׳ — ד"ה כיון שהתחיל הקורא לקרות בספ' תורה

Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 146:2

Joseph Karo’s passage states that speaking during the Torah reading is generally forbidden, while recording several leniencies—including quietly studying or reading shnayim mikra v’echad targum—and stresses attentiveness to the reader, especially during Parashat Zachor and Parashat Parah.

כיון שהתחיל הקורא לקרות בספ' תורה אסור לספר אפי' בד"ת אפי' בין גברא לגברא ואפי' אם השלי' הוא הפרשה ויש מתירים לגרוס [פירוש ללמוד] בלחש ויש אומרים שאם יש עשרה דצייתי (פירוש שמשימין לבם) לספ' תורה מות' לספ' [בדברי תורה] (ב"י בשם מהרי"א) ויש מתירין למי שתורתו אומנתו ויש מתירין למי שקוד' שנפתח ס"ת מחזיר פניו ומראה עצמו שאינו רוצה לשמוע ס"ת אלא לקרות ומתחיל לקרות ולקרות שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום בשעת קריאת התורה שרי וכל זה אינו ענין לפרש' זכור ופרשת פרה שהם בעשר' מדאוריית' שצריך לכוין ולשמעם מפי הקורא והנכון שבכל הפרשיות ראוי למדקדק בדבריו לכוין דעתו ולשמעם מפי הקורא:

Once the reader began reading from the Torah scroll, it is forbidden to speak even words of Torah, and even between one person [i.e. aliyah] and the another, and even if one already finished the parasha. And there are those who permit to "grind out" (meaning: to learn) quietly. And there are those who say that if there are ten who are listening (meaning: they are paying attention) to the Torah scroll, then it is permitted to discuss (words of Torah) (Beit Yosef in the name of Mahari"a). And there are those who permit it for those for whom Torah is their profession. And there are some who permit it for one who turns one's face away before they open the Torah scroll, who makes self appear that one does not want to listen to the Torah scroll, but rather [wants] to read [i.e. learn], and begins to read [i.e. learn]. And to read "shnayim mikrah, v'echad targum" [i.e., the practice of "reading each verse twice, and the Aramaic translation once"] during the Torah reading is permitted. And all this does not apply to Parashat Zachor and Parashat Parah which must be read since they [require a quorum of] ten [people] as [obligations] from the Torah that require one to concentrate and hear [them] from the mouth of the reader. And it is proper that for all the parshiot [throughout the year], it is fitting to be scrupulous with the reader's words and for one to pay attention and hear them from the reader.

See also

Source 14 · Acharonim
Verified

recovered from “Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 285:5”

Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim

שולחן ערוך, אורח חיים רפ״ה:א׳-ב׳ — ד"ה לקרות הפרשה שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום

Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 285:1-2

Joseph Karo states that despite hearing the Torah publicly each Shabbat, one must privately read the weekly parasha twice in Hebrew and once in Aramaic targum, including “Atarot v’Divon”; Rashi’s commentary counts as targum, while those who fear Heaven should read both Rashi and the targum.

לקרות הפרשה שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום. ובו ז סעיפים: אע"פ שאדם שומע כל התורה כולה כל שבת בצבור חייב לקרות לעצמו בכל שבוע פרשת אותו שבוע שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום אפילו עטרות ודיבון: אם למד הפרשה בפירוש רש"י חשוב כמו תרגום וירא שמים יקרא תרגום וגם פרש"י:

Even though each person hears the Torah reading each week in the public reading, we are obligated to read each parasha twice in the hebrew and once in the Aramaic targum. Even the verse "Atarot v'divon" (Numbers 32:3). Rashi's commentary shares the status of Targum, and those who fear Heaven will read the parashah with both Rashi's commentary AND the targum.

Source 15 · Acharonim
Verified

recovered from “Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 317:26”

Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim

ערוך השולחן, אורח חיים שי״ז:א׳ — ד"ה קשירה היא מאבות מלאכות

Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 317:1

Yechiel Michel Epstein explains that tying and untying are av melachot exemplified by the Mishkan’s durable, skilled net-making, while twisting ropes from various fibers is a toldah of tying and separating such a rope is a toldah of untying, with liability dependent on the work’s lasting and constructive nature.

קשירה היא מאבות מלאכות, וכן התרת הקשירה. והיכן היו במשכן, שכן צידי חלזון היו קושרין ומתירין (ע"ד:), דהרשתות שצדין בהן החלזון עשויין קשרים קשרים, והן קשרים של קיימא (רש"י), וגם הם מעשה אומן, ופעמים שצריך ליטול חוטין מרשת זו ולהוסיף על זו, ומתיר מכאן וקושר בכאן (שם). ובירושלמי בכלל גדול איתא, דבתופרי יריעות ובאורגי יריעות המשכן היתה קשירה והתרה, והש"ס שלנו לא ניחא לה בכך ע"ש. ותולדת קושר הוא הפותל חבלים מן ההוצין ומן החלף, והוא מין עץ רך שעושין ממנו חבלים, או מחוטי צמר או מחוטי פשתן או חוטי שיער וכיוצא בהן - הרי זה תולדת קושר. ושזירה וטווייה לא שייך בזה, דאין זה אלא בחוטין דקים לעשיית בגדים, ולכן אין בזה רק קושר. ושיעורן: כדי שיעמוד החבל בפתילתו בלא קשירה, שנמצאת מלאכתו מתקיימת. וכן המפריד את הפתיל - הרי זה תולדת מתיר וחייב, והוא שלא יתכוין לקלקל בלבד. ושיעורו כשיעור הפותל, כן כתב הרמב"ם בפרק י' דין ח' ע"ש.

See also

Source 16 · Hasidic
External

Igros Kodesh, letter 8007

אגרות קודש — ח"כא אגרת ח'ז

Igros Kodesh letter 8007

The passage recommends setting a regular weekly time for studying Chassidic teachings and cites three daily practices: reciting the assigned portion of Tehillim, studying the weekly Torah portion with Rashi according to a daily division, and studying the assigned portion of Tanya.

בתניא בכמה פרקים בזה. ולכן מהנכון שיקבע שיעור, לכה"פ איזה פעמים בשבוע, בתורת החסידות. ובודאי יכול להתדבר בזה עם הרה"ח גערליצקי שי' אודות סדר הלימוד בזה. בטח נודע לו משלשת השיעורים השוים לכל נפש מתקנת כ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר זצוקללה"ה נבג"מ זי"ע, והם א) אמירת שיעור תהלים - כפי שנחלק התהלים לימות החודש - בכל יום אחר תפילת שחרית. ב) לימוד פרשה חומש עם פירוש רש"י מפרשת השבוע - ביום א' מהתחלת הסדרה עד פ' שני וביום שני מפרשת שני עד שלישי וכו' - ג) שיעור לימוד תניא כפי שנחלק התניא לימות השנה. בברכה לרפו"ק - המ

Source 17 · Modern
External

Rav Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos V'hanhagos 3:98)

תשובות והנהגות, ח״ג סי׳ צ״ח

Teshuvos V'hanhagos 3:98

The passage states that, according to the poskim who hold this view, one should nevertheless read the passage twice more to fulfill the mitzvah of Shnayim Mikra ve-Echad Targum properly according to all opinions.

On this pageThe passage states that, according to the poskim who hold this view, one should nevertheless read the passage twice more to fulfill the mitzvah of Shnayim Mikra ve-Echad Targum properly according to all opinions.

Teshuvos V'hanhagos 3:98 — page scan on HebrewBooks
Page 110

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Source 18 · Modern
External

Rav Ephraim Greenblatt (שנים מקרא וא תרגום)

רבבות אפרים, ח״ה סי׳ רט״ז

Revavos Ephraim 5:216

The passage recounts that Rabbi Moshe Feinstein reviewed the weekly portion twice in the Hebrew text, then with Onkelos, Rashi, and Ramban, and reports that the Chazon Ish read the Hebrew text, Onkelos, and the Hebrew text again so that Onkelos would clarify his understanding; it also laments the decline of studying translations, once emphasized by earlier Torah authorities.

On this pageThe passage recounts that Rabbi Moshe Feinstein reviewed the weekly portion twice in the Hebrew text, then with Onkelos, Rashi, and Ramban, and reports that the Chazon Ish read the Hebrew text, Onkelos, and the Hebrew text again so that Onkelos would clarify his understanding; it also laments the decline of studying translations, once emphasized by earlier Torah authorities.

Revavos Ephraim 5:216 — page scan on HebrewBooks
Page 193

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Source 19 · Modern
External

הלכות שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום

אבני ישפה, ח״ח סי׳ ס״ה

Avnei Yashfeh 8:65

The passage discusses the obligation and reward of שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום, concluding that one may read the entire portion twice and then the תרגום, that the mitzvah is ideally completed before the Shabbat meal, and that attending a סעודת מצוה takes precedence over this preferred timing; it also considers acceptable substitutes for תרגום, generally favors Rashi over תרגום, and advises reading a verse three times when Rashi’s grammatical explanation is not understood.

On this pageThe passage discusses the obligation and reward of שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום, concluding that one may read the entire portion twice and then the תרגום, that the mitzvah is ideally completed before the Shabbat meal, and that attending a סעודת מצוה takes precedence over this preferred timing; it also considers acceptable substitutes for תרגום, generally favors Rashi over תרגום, and advises reading a verse three times when Rashi’s grammatical explanation is not understood.

Avnei Yashfeh 8:65 — page scan on HebrewBooks
Page 175

Rav Yisrael Pesach Feinhandler (Jerusalem, 1945-2011) Avnei Yashfeh is not freely available in text. This PDF surfaced in our research. Please use the feedback buttons below to help us improve.

Source 20 · Modern
External

Avnei Yashfeh 6:54

אבני ישפה, ח״ו סי׳ נ״ד

Avnei Yashfeh 6:54

The passage lists questions about whether to stand during the Aseret HaDibrot in Shnayim Mikra, whether Rashi may be read silently, whether silent reading fulfills the requirement after the fact, and whether hearing the Torah reading once counts as one reading.

On this pageThe passage lists questions about whether to stand during the Aseret HaDibrot in Shnayim Mikra, whether Rashi may be read silently, whether silent reading fulfills the requirement after the fact, and whether hearing the Torah reading once counts as one reading.

Avnei Yashfeh 6:54 — page scan on HebrewBooks
Page 151

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Source 21 · Modern
External

סדר קריאת שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום.

נשמת שבת, ח״ב סי׳ שי״א

Nishmat Shabbat vol 2:311

The passage presents differing practices for Shnayim Mikra ve-Echad Targum—verse by verse or section by section—cites authorities supporting each, and concludes that either practice is acceptable, while mentioning a compromise of first reading a section and then each verse with its Targum.

On this pageThe passage presents differing practices for Shnayim Mikra ve-Echad Targum—verse by verse or section by section—cites authorities supporting each, and concludes that either practice is acceptable, while mentioning a compromise of first reading a section and then each verse with its Targum.

Nishmat Shabbat vol 2:311 — page scan on HebrewBooks
Page 328

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Source 22 · Modern
Verified

Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Shut HaRav HaRashi 19:2)

שו"ת הרב הראשי, י״ט:ב׳ — ד"ה "שניים מקרא ואחד רש"י" שאלה ב

Shut HaRav HaRashi 19:2

Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu states that although Rashi may fulfill the obligation of “Shnayim Mikra v’Echad Targum” according to the plain interpretation, Kabbalah requires reading the Targum, and a God-fearing person should read both.

"שניים מקרא ואחד רש"י" באם יוצאים ידי חובת "שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום" בקריאת פירוש רש"י? קריאת "שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום" לפי הפשט אפשרית ע"י קריאת רש"י במקום תרגום, אך לפי הקבלה יש לקרוא תרגום דווקא, והמחמיר יקרא את שניהם. וירא שמים יצא את כולם ויקרא התרגום ופירוש רש"י".

Source 23 · Modern
Verified

Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Maamar Mordechai Hilchot Shabbat, Chelek 1 2:41)

מאמר מרדכי הלכות שבת, Chelek 1 ב׳:מ״א — ד"ה קריאת רש"י במקום תרגום על פי

Maamar Mordechai Hilchot Shabbat, Chelek 1 2:41

Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu states that one may study Rashi’s commentary instead of Targum Onkelos to fulfill the obligation of Shnayim Mikra, and that a verse without a Rashi commentary should be read three times.

על פי הפשט מותר ללמוד פירוש רש"י במקום תרגום אונקלוס. ולפיכך מי שקרא פעמיים מקרא, ובמקום תרגום אונקלוס למד את פירוש רש"י – יצא ידי חובת "שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום". ובדרך זו, כשמגיע לפסוק שאין עליו פירוש רש"י – צריך לקרוא את הפסוק שלוש פעמים.

Source 24 · Modern
Verified

Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Maamar Mordechai Hilchot Shabbat, Chelek 1 2:2)

מאמר מרדכי הלכות שבת, Chelek 1 ב׳:ב׳ — ד"ה טעם לקריאת שניים מקרא הטעם לקריאת

Maamar Mordechai Hilchot Shabbat, Chelek 1 2:2

Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu explains that reading the weekly portion twice in Hebrew and once in translation helps a person learn the Torah’s mitzvot, especially the foundational mitzvah of Torah study, and that Chazal instituted this communal weekly reading to awaken people to Torah and mitzvot until the entire Torah is completed.

טעם לקריאת שניים מקרא הטעם לקריאת שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום הוא, שידע האדם מהן המצוות הכתובות בתורה. ואחת מן המצוות והיא עיקר ויסוד שכולן נשענות עליו היא מצות לימוד התורה, כי בלימוד ידע האדם המצוות ויקיים אותן. ועל כן קבעו לנו חכמינו זכרונם לברכה [ב"ק פ"ב ע"א] לקרות חלק אחד מספר התורה במקום קיבוץ העם שהוא בית הכנסת, לעורר לב האדם על דברי התורה והמצוות, בכל שבוע ושבוע עד שיגמרו כל הספר.

Source 25 · Modern
Verified

Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Shut HaRav HaRashi 21:3)

שו"ת הרב הראשי, כ״א:ג׳ — ד"ה תשובה

Shut HaRav HaRashi 21:3

Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu distinguishes between the obligations to read “שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום” and to hear the public Torah reading, noting that the former may be read individually from a Chumash and has make-up opportunities before or afterward.

יש שני חיובים על האדם: אחד – לקרוא "שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום" כמו שכ' בשו"ע (סי' רפ"ה), ויש חיוב שני – לשמוע קריאת התורה, כמו שכתוב בסי' רפ"ב. אלו הם שני חיובים שונים. קריאת "שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום" אפשר לקרוא בחומש וביחיד, ויש לה תשלומים לפניה ואחריה.

Source 26 · Modern
Verified

Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Maamar Mordechai Hilchot Shabbat, Chelek 1 2:43)

מאמר מרדכי הלכות שבת, Chelek 1 ב׳:מ״ג — ד"ה קריאת פירוש נוסף טוב להוסיף לקריאת

Maamar Mordechai Hilchot Shabbat, Chelek 1 2:43

Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu recommends adding another commentator to the weekly “Shnayim Mikra v’Echad Targum” and Rashi study, adding a different mefaresh each year while retaining the previous enhancement.

קריאת פירוש נוסף טוב להוסיף לקריאת "שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום" ופירוש רש"י לימוד של מפרש נוסף ובכל שנה להוסיף מפרש, לדוגמא: בשנה הראשונה יקרא שמו"ת ופירוש רש"י ויוסיף את פירושו של ה"אבן עזרא". בשנה שאחריה יקרא שמו"ת ופירוש רש"י ויוסיף הפירוש של ה"ספורנו", וכן על זה הדרך. [הערה 59] כתב החיד"א במורה באצבע (סי' ס"ט אות רח"צ) שבכל שנה ושנה אדם צריך לקבל על עצמו הידור במצוה, ובשנה הבאה לא יעזוב את ההידור הקודם אלא יוסיף עוד הידור. ועיין כה"ח (סי' תר"ג ס"ק י"א-י"ב). וע"ע שו"ת קול אליהו (שבת פרק ח' שאלה ה').

Source 27 · Modern
Verified

Rav Eliezer Melamed (Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat 5:10)

פניני הלכה, שבת ה׳:י׳

Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat 5:10

The passage outlines customs for fulfilling shnayim mikra ve-eḥad targum: reading it all on Friday without interruption or one aliya each weekday, and either completing it verse by verse or section by section, with both approaches considered acceptable.

תורה ותפילה בשבת / מנהגי שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום יש נוהגים לקרוא ביום שישי שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום, ומשתדלים שלא להפסיק מתחילת הקריאה ועד סיום הפרשה (האר"י, של"ה, כה"ח רפה, ג וטו). ויש נוהגים לקרוא בכל יום אחת משבע העליות, עד שבשבת משלימים את כל הפרשה (גר"א, משנה ברורה רפה, ח). בכל אופן, כל שקרא במשך השבוע שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום – יצא. לכתחילה קוראים את המקרא פעמיים ואח"כ את התרגום. למנהג האר"י קוראים כל פסוק פעמיים מקרא ואחד תרגום. ולמנהג השל"ה והגר"א, קוראים כל פרשייה פעמיים ואח"כ את תרגומה. פרשייה הכוונה לפרשה פתוחה או סתומה. ושני המנהגים טובים (משנה ברורה רפה, ב; כה"ח ג).

Torah Study and Prayer on Shabbat / Different Customs Relating to Shnayim Mikra Ve-eĥad Targum Some customarily read shnayim mikra ve-eḥad targum on Friday and try to do the entire reading without stopping (Arizal; Shlah; Kaf Ha-ḥayim 285:3; Tur). Others follow the custom of reading one aliya each day of the week, so that on Shabbat they complete the entire parsha (Vilna Gaon; MB 285:8). In any case, anyone who completes shnayim mikra ve-eḥad targum at any point during the week has fulfilled the obligation. Ideally one reads the Torah text twice, followed by targum. There are two customs as to how to do this. According to Arizal’s custom, one reads each verse twice and then its translation once. Following the custom of Shlah and the Vilna Gaon, one reads each parshiya (a section that in the Torah scroll is offset by spaces) twice and then its Aramaic translation. Both customs are acceptable (MB 285:2; Kaf Ha-ḥayim ad loc. 3).

Source 28 · Modern
Verified

Rav Eliezer Melamed (Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat 5:9)

פניני הלכה, שבת ה׳:ט׳

Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat 5:9

The passage explains that the Sages required weekly reading of the parsha twice and its Aramaic translation once, promising longevity to those who do so, and records the later question of whether a native-language translation or Rashi’s commentary may replace Onkelos when Aramaic is no longer understood.

תורה ותפילה בשבת / שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום בנוסף לקריאה בתורה שבבית הכנסת, תקנו חכמים לקרוא בכל שבוע את הפרשה, שניים מקרא ואחד תרגום. והעושה כן מאריכים לו ימיו ושנותיו (ברכות ח, א). בזמן שתקנו חכמים תקנה זו, המוני ישראל דיברו ארמית, וכיוון שהיו קוראים את התרגום הארמי שחיבר אונקלוס הגר, היו מבינים את הפרשה. במשך הדורות גלו ישראל למקומות שונים בהם דיברו בשפות אחרות, והארמית כבר לא היתה ידועה להמוני העם, והתעוררה שאלה, האם אפשר במקום התרגום לארמית לקרוא את הפרשה עם תרגום לשפת המקום או עם פירוש רש"י.

Torah Study and Prayer on Shabbat / Shnayim Mikra Ve-eĥad Targum In addition to the communal Torah reading in shul, the Sages also mandated that each week every man should read shnayim mikra ve-eḥad targum (lit. “twice Scripture, once translation”), that is, the parsha twice and the Aramaic translation once. He who does so is granted a longer life (Berakhot 8a). When this reading was instituted, most Jews spoke Aramaic; if they read the Aramaic translation of Onkelos the proselyte, they understood the parsha. In the course of time the Jews were exiled to various places where other languages were spoken and the Jewish masses no longer knew Aramaic. The question arose: may one read the parsha with a translation into one’s native language or with Rashi’s commentary, instead of the Aramaic translation?

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  • אָמַר רַב הוּנָא בַּר יְהוּדָה, אָמַר רַבִּי אַמֵּי: לְעוֹלָם יַשְׁלִים אָדָם פָּרָשִׁיּוֹתָיו עִם הַצִּבּוּר. שְׁנַיִם מִקְרָא וְאֶחָד תַּרְגּוּם.

    Same passage as Tiferet Yisrael 13:7

  • שנים מקרא שהוא בא לו מ ר את כל המלים של הפר שה כדי לצ א ת ידי חוב ת שנים מקרא ו א חד תרגום, אם אמר רק ה׳ יתכן שלא יצא כיון שלא אמר נכון מה שכתוב בפסוק. ויותר מזה נ״ל שגם בקורא רש״י בכל מקו ם שי ש ד״ה ש מ ביא רש״י ל שון

  • שלב נשמת שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום שבת »יד!ר בס׳ שלה״ק )ד״ה יש( התריע ע״ז וז״ל יש ״טועים״ וקורים פסוק מקרא ותרגום עליו וחוזרין וקורין הפסוק בקרא ובו׳ וסוברים דהכי ניתא לומר הפסוק ולקורא הפירוש עליו דהיינו התרגום, ולאחר קריאת

  • מלה במלה, הרי זה קיים שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום, ע״ש. מכל מקום מלשונו נראה שאין זה לכתחלה. ]וראה בערוך השלחן שם[. דלכתחלה יש לקרות שנים מקרא ואחר כך התרגום. שוב ראיתי שכן כתב בלחם חמודות )סימן מ״א(, שלא אמר כן הלבוש אלא

  • בשאלה, . ד׳ דן בענין שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום אם הסדר מעכב או אפשר לקרוא מקרא ותרגום ׳ומקרא, ‘ J וכת״ד כתב td ה׳ הטובה עליו׳ מה שנראה; הוא שיש! להבדיל בין לכתחילה ובין ,בדיעבד׳ היינו אם יצא יז״׳זז או שחייב לחזור שזב ולקרוא,

  • שאז מהני לפמש״כ למעלה מכמה פוסקים שיכול לומר פעם א׳ מקרא ואח״כ תרגום עליו, ואח״כ עוה״פ מקרא[ מיהו י״ל דכיון שאח״כ יקרא תרגום עם הפסוקים מהני מה שהקדים ללמוד רש״י בביאורי הפסוקים. נשמת שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום שבת שנג עוד זאת

  • נשמת שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום שבת שסז יאמר הפטורת פ׳ השבוע בשעת קרה״ת, ולמעלה תמהנו על שיטה זה, ואולי הוא מטע״ז כדי לשלב תורה ונביאים וכו׳(, ולפי׳׳ז אין נפק״מ ואף בזמנינו יש לאומרה ]ונראה עור דאף הקורא שמו״ת בשבת בבוקר יש

  • סימן שט״ז ש א ל ה - אם יוצא ידי״ח שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום כשאינו משים לם להבין מה שאומר. נשמת שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום שבת שלט ת ש ו ב ה - עיקר ענין שמרת שיבין פרשת השבוע. בספדי שו״ת ויבדך דוד )ח״ב קו׳ צבי וחמיד סי׳ קע״ד( הבאתי

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