Fulfilling Shnayim Mikra With Chitas?

Ask the Rov: Can I rely on Chitas for shnayim mikra v’echad targum?

By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin – Rov of Anash in Petach Tikvah

Chazal instituted an obligation to review the weekly sedra in a manner of shnayim mikra v’echad targum, reading it twice in the original and once in the Aramaic translation. Even one who is busy studying other parts of Torah is required to make time to fulfill this chiyuv.

Some hold that Rashi — or a commentary in the language one understands — can substitute Targum, and the additional explanation is even better, while others hold that Targum was specifically chosen since it was given at Sinai. The Alter Rebbe writes that a yerei shomayim should read both the Targum and Rashi.¹

Minhag Chabad is to learn Chumash every day with Rashi (Chitas) and to recite shnayim mikra on Friday with Targum.² Since Rashi only explains specific words, in order to substitute Targum, one must review the full pasuk for a third time with Rashi.³

Halachically, one may split up the sedra in any manner that results in reading the Torah text twice and the Targum once. Some have the custom to read each parsha section (until a setuma or pesucha break) twice and then the targum on that section, but the preferred custom— and minhag Chabad — is to say each pasuk twice and then its targum.⁴ Ideally, one should not interrupt from the start of shnayim mikra until the end.⁵

One may begin shnayim mikra from Sunday onward, for the new sedra begins with the reading at Shabbos mincha. Optimally, shnayim mikra should be read on Friday, and preferably after chatzos.⁶ If one could not complete it on Friday,⁷ he should ideally do so before the Torah reading Shabbos morning, or at least before eating the Shabbos day meal. One is obligated to complete it before mincha when the next sedra is started.⁸

(If one did not complete it, some hold that one can make it up until Tuesday, while others say until Simchas Torah. Indeed, one should make up all missed parshiyos before Simchas Torah.⁹)

Thus, one who, for whatever reason, is unable to read the parsha with Targum on Friday, should read the parsha three times when learning the daily Chitas with Rashi and thus fulfill the basic obligation.¹⁰

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From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash