Repeating Netilat Yadayim After Dawn If One Had Washed His Hands Before Dawn

The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 4:14) writes that if somebody woke up early in the morning, before Alot Ha'shahar (daybreak), and washes Netilat Yadayim, it is uncertain whether he must wash a second time after Alot Ha'shahar. The possibility exists that his hands become impure again with the onset of dawn, such that he would need to repeat the washing. The Yalkut Yosef cites the Teshubot Ve'hanhagot (Rav Moshe Sternbuch, contemporary) as testifying that he observed many great Torah sages rise before dawn to learn Torah, without repeating Netilat Yadayim after dawn. The explanation, he suggests, is that as long as the individual is studying Torah or praying, the impure forces do not descend upon his hands, and there is thus no need to wash again after Alot Ha'shahar. The sources that speak of a need to repeat the washing perhaps refer to one who was involved in activities other than Torah and prayer. Nevertheless, the Teshubot Ve'hanhagot concludes that even one who rose early to learn Torah should preferably wash a second time before he prays after dawn. However, Rav Yisrael Bitan notes that the Shulhan Aruch drew no distinction between one who woke up early to learn Torah and one who woke up early for other reasons. It seems quite clear that the Shulhan Aruch's uncertainty applies whenever a person rises and washes Netilat Yadayim before dawn. And even the Teshubot Ve'hanhagot suggested this distinction to justify the practice he observed, but did not accept it as the proper course of action. Therefore, if one woke up before dawn and washed Netilat Yadayim, it is proper for him to wash a second time – without reciting a Beracha – after dawn. This Halacha becomes especially relevant during the period of Selichot, when Sepharadim rise before dawn. It is proper to repeat Netilat Yadayim after Alot Ha'shahar. The custom is not to interrupt the Selichot prayers at dawn for people to wash their hands, and indeed, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Jerusalem, 1910-1995) ruled that this is not necessary. Before praying Shaharit, however, it would seem that everybody should leave to wash their hands. Summary: If one woke up and started his day before Alot Ha'shahar (daybreak) – such as for the recitation of Selichot – he should repeat Netilat Yadayim after Alot Ha'shahar, though without reciting a Beracha. During Selichot, it is not necessary to interrupt the Selichot prayers at dawn for people to wash, though they should wash their hands before Shaharit.