LOGINHaftarah
He revealed His secrets to His servants, the Prophets (Amos 3:7)
Welcome to Haftarah
Kriat Hatorah, the reading of the Torah on Shabbat and festivals, is followed by reading selected passages from one of the biblical books of the Prophets. The portion is known as the Haftarah (which literally translates as ‘conclusion’ or ‘dismissal’).
Traditionally, the “message” of the Haftarah resembles that of the Torah reading of the day and has become part of the weekly Torah reading of a Jew. [However, occasionally, the message is related to nearby events on the Jewish calendar.]
Shnayim Mikra V’Echad Targum
Literally, Shnayim Mikra V’Echad Targum translates as twice the verse and once the (Aramaic) translation. This refers to the practice where one reads the Torah verses of the weekly portion twice in Hebrew, followed by once in Onkelos’ Aramaic translation.
The Haftarah of the week is connected to the weekly Torah portion, to the extent that it is part of the weekly study of Shnayim Mikra V’Echad Targum.
When and How to say Shnayim Mikra
Shnayim Mikra is read verse by verse, twice the verse and once the translation of Onkelos. The Haftarah of the portion is read once, in the original Hebrew. [Note: On occasions, when the regular Haftarah is superseded by a more timely Haftarah, both Haftarahs are read as part of this study.]
It is best not to interrupt the reading until the entire Parsha is completed.
The most optimal time to say it is Friday after midday. If extra time is needed, it should be completed before the Shabbos day meal. [However, if this is difficult, it can be done earlier in the week or even after shabbos.]
Reasons and benefits
The congregation of Israel said before G-d: "Master of the Universe, the statements of Your beloved (Sages) are more pleasant than the wine of (the written) Torah." —Avodah Zarah 35a
Prophecies that have relevant messages and directives for future generations were written down. —Megillah 14a with Rashi
One who completes the portion (twice the verse and once the (Aramaic) translation) with the congregation is rewarded that his days and years are extended. —Berachos 8b
Shnayim Mikra is an opportunity to become familiar with the Torah. —Levush, Orach Chaim, ch. 285
Haftarah reading was instituted when there was a decree against reading the Torah itself, which means that at the darkest of times, the prophets are here to inspire you. —Torat Menachem 5743, vol. 2, Parshat Beshalach
Shnayim Mikra replicates the receiving of the Torah, first at Mount Sinai, then once more in the Tabernacle in the desert, and finally with translation at the plains of Moav. —See Sotah 37b; Mateh Moshe, 464
Haftarah in Your Chayenu
- Included vowels in the Hebrew.
- Hebrew and English side-by-side on the same page, for easier cross-reference.
- Interpolated translation for greater understanding.
- A synopsis of the Haftorah.
- Commentary relating to the backdrop of the Haftorah and the connection to the weekly Torah portion.
- Commentary and insight based on the works of The Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Haftarah in Your Chayenu — Video
