Q. How much effort should one put in to daven (shacharis with the) neitz, (sunrise) when unable to daven with a minyan due to the covid epidemic?
A. There are many very elevated spiritual qualities mentioned by our Sages for the one that davens at sunrise. To mention some; Yerushalmi (Brochos 1) denominates him a chosid and he acquires Yiras Shamaim during that day. He therefore won't sin on that day (Yaaros Devash), He is spared from any harm on that day (Brochos 9b and Tosafos). Some Poskim consider davening vasikin of greater importance than davenig with a minyan (See Zera Yaakov 26 p. 80).
Besides since one should not engage in other activities, even learning Torah before davening unless he is used to daven with a minyan so he wont forget (O.H. 89: 6), it is proper to daven now as early as possible.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is indeed that in our current crisis, one should place all his effort to daven vesikin with the netz if possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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