Reading Shnayim Mikra Ve’Echad Targum — with Meaning and Focus
Question
I read Shnayim Mikra Ve’Echad Targum every week, but honestly, I feel like it’s a big waste of time. I can’t focus, and I end up reading it like a robot. Lately I’ve been doing it according to the aliyot, which is a bit better—but still... Is there something else I can do instead?
Answer
Shalom,
The more ideal way to fulfill the mitzvah is to read each verse twice in Hebrew and once in Targum, or to divide the text into parshiyot - Pe'Tucha Ve'Stumah (the open and closed paragraph breaks), and read each parsha twice in Hebrew and once in Targum.
From experience, dividing it by parshiyot gives better understanding of what you're reading, and leads to more focus and meaning in the reading.
Also, reading with the goal of understanding what you’re reading—not just “saying it to get it done”—really helps with enjoyment and concentration.