1. Optimally, one ought to recite Shacharit at sunrise (naytz hachamah). During the months of December, January and the first third of February, sunrise in our area is at about 7:00 a.m. For most working people 7:00 am is too late to first begin Shacharit. Accordingly, we may rely on the opinion of those authorities who feel that Shacharit may begin at dawn (alot hashachar), some 72 minutes before sunrise, even though it is still entirely dark.

If you are one of those who are forced to daven early, follow these guidelines:

(A) In the Passaic-Clifton area, you may daven with talis and tefillin, regularly, beginning at 6:00 a.m.

(B) If you must start before 6:00 a.m., put on talis and tefillin without a b'racha. At the end of Shacharit, touch the tzitzis of your talis and recite the appropriate b'racha Do the same to the tefillin, as you touch each one recite the proper b'racha. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim 30:3)

2. It is best to be in the habit of davening Mincha daily during the winter months at lunchtime, but no earlier than 12:30 p.m. When the days are so short, 4:30 p.m., which is about the latest for Mincha time, most of us are still pushing on in our business pursuits only to forget about Mincha.

3. If you accidentally (don't stretch the definition) miss Mincha time, you are faced with two possibilities:

(A) If it is before 5:00 p.m. (the approximate time of dusk or bayn hash'mashos) you may still recite Mincha according to some authorities. Avail yourself of the opportunity to be "better late than never." That is not to be taken to mean that Mincha on a daily basis should be recited after Sh'kiah (sunset). (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim 233:1 in the Ramah)

(B) If 5:00 p.m. (dusk) has passed, when reciting Ma'ariv, repeat the Sh'moneh Esray twice, the first time for Ma'ariv and the second time in remembrance of the Mincha you missed earlier. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim 105; 108:2)

4. The above are but broad generalizations of these halachot which need further treatment. The cited sources should be consulted for a more comprehensive understanding of the manner in which to treat this problem.