Shnayim Mikra - Reading Along

QUESTION: If I read the Torah portion along with the ba’al korei (the one who reads the Torah aloud in shul) can that count towards one of my readings for Shnayim Mikra V’echad Targum?

ANSWER: Yes. Shulchan Aruch (285:5) writes that one can fulfill the obligation in this manner. Although one is not permitted to study a different portion of the Torah while the Torah is being read, it is acceptable to read along with the ba’al korei. Furthermore, the Mishnah Berurah (285:14) writes that it is appropriate for one to read along quietly with the ba’al korei word by word, since it is otherwise difficult to follow the reading. The Magen Avrohom (285:8) writes that bedi’eved if one listened to each word from the ba’al korei, this can count as one Torah reading, even if nothing was said by the individual. Similarly, the Shaarei Teshuva (285:6) writes in the name of the Radvaz that if one listens intently to every word of his friend reading Shnayim Mikra V’echad Targum, he can fulfill his entire obligation by listening, even without saying a word.

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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.