Shnayim Mikra - Timing

QUESTION: When is the earliest time that one may begin reviewing the Parashas Hashavua (Torah portion of the week) “Shnayim Mikra V’echad Targum”?

ANSWER: The Talmud (Berachos 8b) relates that Rav Bibi bar Abayei thought he would read Shnayim Mikra V’echad Targum for the entire Torah in one or two weeks, rather than reviewing the Parashas Hashavua each week. A certain elder Jew informed him that this is inappropriate, as one must read the parasha every week together with the congregation. The Mishnah Berurah (285:7) writes that one may begin Shnayim Mikra V’echad Targum for the next week’s parasha as soon as the congregation begins reading from the next week’s parasha on Shabbos at the Mincha service. If one began earlier than this, they did not fulfill their obligation and are required to read it again.

Some have the custom of learning one aliyah of the parasha each day of the week, while some review the entire parasha on Erev Shabbos. Either way is acceptable. It is preferable to finish the parasha before one eats the Shabbos day meal.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.