Studying Scripture at Night
Question
What is the status and severity of the halacha (or is it just a custom?) not to do Shnayim Mikra ve’Echad Targum at night? Is it still the custom today to be strict about this? And if not, but someone until now has been careful to only do it during the day, would they need to do hatarat nedarim (annulment of vows) in order to start doing it at night?
Answer
Shalom,
The idea of not studying Mikra — that is, Tanach — at night is based on the teachings of the Kabbalists.
Regarding the reading of Shnayim Mikra, ideally (lechatchilla) one should read it during the day. But if there is no other time, it may be read at night.
On Thursday night and Friday night, it is permitted to read at night even lechatchila.
Someone who was stringent about this in the past and now wants to be lenient when needed — does not need to do hatarat nedarim (annulment of vows).
Source
Azmera Leshimcha # 273
According to the Psak of HaGaon Harav Rabbi Fried, shlita