7031 —זמן קריאת שניים מקרא וזמן קציצת צפרנים בערב שבת

Shalom u'Vrachah! [5718-9?]

In your question regarding guidance: a) Regarding the time for reading Shnayim Mikra VeEchad Targum—see Shulchan Aruch Admur Orach Chaim 285:6: there are those who practice one way, etc., and others another way, etc. In Sefer Klalei HaPoskim there are three opinions in such cases about whom to follow (they are gathered in Sdei Chemed Klalei HaPoskim 13-14). However, my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe (the Rebbe Rashab), in his well-known statement regarding Torah reading, held like those who rule according to the second opinion. But practically—see Hayom Yom, 4 Teves 5703 (and the reasoning to finish not on the starting day is also found in Magen Avraham 285:6. And it is understood that one should begin again at the time of completion according to those who are particular not to interrupt in the middle of Shnayim Mikra).

b) The time for cutting fingernails on Erev Shabbos: In Magen Avraham 285 in the name of Shelah—before Shnayim Mikra; and in Pri Etz Chaim Shaar HaShabbat ch. 3—after the reading. Seemingly, it is clear that it should be before immersion, based on what is written in Shach (Yoreh Deah 198:25). And according to what is brought from the Arizal, it should be before midday, since he wrote in the name of the Arizal to cut hair after midday because of "Do not muzzle an ox while it is threshing," and also with cutting fingernails there is this concept since hair and nails are connected (and so it appears also from Maggid Meisharim Mishlei as quoted in Siman R' Shmuel Marshak regarding washing hands and feet on Sunday. Even though rejecting this practice itself was not accepted by the Arizal as written in Shaarei Teshuvah end of Siman). But explicitly it is written in Sefer HaKavanot Shoftim: after Minchah my teacher (the Arizal) would fulfill this and cut his nails etc. And from the order of matters in Mishnat Chassidim it appears otherwise. This is not the place for elaboration. I did not hear a practical directive about this.

Printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 24 p. 342. In his well-known statement: Igrot Kodesh vol. 1 p. 177.

Summary

This letter explores differing halachic opinions regarding when to read Shnayim Mikra VeEchad Targum and when to cut fingernails on Erev Shabbos, emphasizing careful attention to established customs and sources but noting no definitive practical directive was given.