Vatikin

ותיקין

Vatikin refers to a group of especially pious individuals who would carefully time their morning prayers to align with sunrise, specifically the Shacharit prayer. The practice of the Vatikin is to begin reciting the Shemoneh Esrei (Amidah) of the morning prayer exactly at sunrise (known as netz hachamah). This is considered the ideal time for prayer, as it demonstrates a person's eagerness to perform the mitzvah of prayer at the earliest possible time.

The practice is mentioned in the Talmud, where it is praised as an ideal way to fulfill the mitzvah of Shacharit, and it has become a custom for those who strive for extra devotion and precision in their observance