The condition of former Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu worsened considerably overnight Saturday. Sources told Arutz 7 that he was currently being aided in his breathing by a respirator and in critical condition in the emergency ward of Shaare Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem. Doctors are working to stabilize his condition.

Rabbi Eliyahu entered the hospital during the summer, after family members found him in a semi-conscious state. A day after he was admitted to the hospital, Rabbi Eliyahu underwent surgery, from which he seemed to be recovering. However, his condition has considerably worsened in recent months. The 81 year old former Rishon Lezion has experienced a series of heart problems and strokes. The public was asked to pray for the health of Rabbi Mordechai Tzemach Ben Mazal Tov. Special prayers for the well-being of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu will be held at 3 PM Sunday at the grave of the Hida, Rabbi Yosef Chaim David Azulai, who is interred at the Givat Shaul cemetery. Rabbi Azulai, born in Jerusalem in 1724, was the author of dozens of books on Jewish law and philosophy.