A Convert

Does a person in captivity recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved?[1]

Even a person in captivity is to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved.[2]

 

Does a convert say the blessing of “Shelo Asani Goy”?[3] 

There are opinions[4] which say that a convert should recite the blessing of “Sheasani Ger” and is not to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Goy.[5] Others[6] however rule that he may not say this blessing of “Sheasani Ger”.[7] According to the Kabalists however, even a convert may say the blessing of “Shelo Asani Goy”.[8] [Practically a convert may say the blessing of Shelo Asani Goy if he desires to rely on this opinion of the Kabalists.[9] However some[10] rule a convert is to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Goy without Hashem’s name.]

 

Does a convert recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved?[11] 

A convert is to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved.[12]

 

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[1] 46/4

[2] As the blessing is not being said out of thanks for ones physical freedom, but rather on that a Hashem did not create him as a slave which is only obligated in the Mitzvos of a woman, [as even in captivity he is obligated to fulfill all the Mitzvos just like a free man]. [ibid]

[3] 46/4

[4] Rama 46/4; Taz 46/5

[5] The Reason: He may not recite the blessing of “Shelo Asani Goy” being that he was first created as a gentile. Rather, he should recite a blessing of “that He made me a convert”, as upon his conversion he is considered liken a child that was just born and he has become newly formed and created. [ibid]

[6] M”A 46/10 in name of Shlah; Bach brought in Taz ibid

[7] Being that he converted on his own accord, and thus it is not true to say “that he was created a convert”. [ibid]

[8] Being that the Kabalists explain that the meaning of the blessing is to thank G-d for not attaching a soul of a gentile to him upon awakening [and this matter is equally relevant to a convert]. [ibid; and so rules M”A 46/10; Piskeiy Teshuvos 46/11; See Matzas Shmurim brought in Kaf Hachaim 46/32]

[9] Piskeiy Teshuvos 46/11

[10] Kaf Hachaim 46/36; Siddur Yaavetz

[11] 46/4

[12] Now although he was born a gentile which is even worse than a slave nevertheless [being born a gentile is also advantageous] being that he is able to convert and then become obligated in all the Mitzvos. However if he were to be born a slave then he would be unable to [become obligated in all the Mitzvos] unless he were to be freed from his master [which is not dependent on him]. [ibid]