What is the proper way to read Shnayim Mikra?
Pasuk by pasuk.
Are you allowed to talk?
Yes. (Bittul Torah aside)
Kavod Harav,
Can you use English translation instead of Targum?
Thank you
The purpose of the Targum is to understand. Better that than reading the Targum and getting nothing from it.
Some learn Rashi instead of Targum. Same idea. This issue discussed with learning Rashi is that it isn’t on every Pasuk. The translation is.
doesnt tosfos and tur say other languages dont count?
Reading the Targum Unkelus is definitely preferred, but if not, better to understand the Parashah. See Kaf Hachaim 285:20.
rabbi said once if your not medakdeik in targum its meakev sounds like he held it must be targum
The Rabbi was very careful with the Targum and would regularly bring proof from Targum all over to prove how certain words are correctly pronounced etc.
One should definitely do Targum Unkelos if they’re up for it. But if someone has difficulty getting through it and can alternatively actually read an english “targum” and understand - that’s another story.
The Rabbi used to say about certain difficult sugyas (and other things that people don’t usually understand), “this is like reading Tehillim”. Meaning - he never liked just saying things, or mindless reading - without having any understanding.
Is it an obligation? If it is- how come I know so many who do not do it?
It is. I don’t have a good answer as to why some people don’t prioritize…