- Q. Dear Rabbi, What are the benefits of davening early Vasikin, (when the sun rises) and how much effort should one do for it?
A. “Tefilas Vasikin” in the Ashkenzi tradition, refers to the very early morning prayer of Shacharis. This early morning minyan is also called “netz”, an abbreviation of “Hanetz HaChama” which means the sunrise.
Talmud (Berachos 26a) answers a contradiction to the Mishna there saying that this baraisa does not establish a binding halacha. Rather, it taught that rule specifically with regard to those who are scrupulous in fulfillment of mitzvot [vasikin]. As Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Vasikin would finish reciting the morning Shema with sunrise, but those who are not vasikin may recite their prayers later.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 58: 1) mentions that the one that can venture to end the reading of the Shema and its blessings right at that time, and can exactly then begin the Amida, his reward is very great. Mishna Berura (ibid. 8) quoting Beis Yosef in Rabeinu Yona’s name, that he is promised to be a designated receiver for the “Olam Haba’a” (The Future World to Come).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
Important Numbers
