As the Sabbath Approaches: Erev Shabbos

The source for the above paragraph is HaYom Yom, entry for 30 Sivan. [In this context, to “review” means to intone audibly, following the cantillation symbols of the Scriptural text. The common Hebrew abbreviation for this triple reading of each verse is שמו"ת, the acronym of שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום — “the Scripture twice and the translation once.” In Yiddish this review is known as maavir-sedra-zain — “going through the weekly reading.” A wealth of sources on this subject has been assembled by R. Shmuel Laufer in Otzar Shnayim Mikra VeEchad Targum (Heb.; 1990).]

This obviously applies only to an individual who is reviewing the parshah privately; the congregant who intones the Haftorah [in synagogue] on Shabbos reads only the passage appropriate for the particular Shabbos.

HaYom Yom, entry for 16 Iyar.

This practice was handed down by the early chassidim, on the authority of the Baal Shem Tov.

“Immersion in a mikveh before the [morning] prayers on Shabbos has served chassidim as a spiritual promise — that their prayer be characterized by measured meditation and by the arousal of the soul as it cleaves to its Maker.” (Sefer HaSichos 5702, p. 19.) See also Likkutei Torah, Parshas Savo, p. 43b.

See also Kavanas HaMikveh [of the Alter Rebbe] and Kavanas HaMikveh of the Baal Shem Tov in the Siddur im Dach (p. 156a ff.); there, it will be noted, these meditations are placed immediately before the passage on the inauguration of the Shabbos. See also Seder Hisnahagus Erev Shabbos (“Procedure for the Eve of Shabbos”) in Likkutei Maharich, where further sources are indicated.