Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu
Rabbi Mordechai EliyahuIsrael News Photo: (INNTV)

On Sunday a special gathering to pray for the full recovery of the Rishon L'Tzion, Former Chief Sephardic Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, took place outside the Sha’arei Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Eliyahu has been in the intensive care unit of Sha’arei Tzedek hospital for the past six months following a heart attack. Although he initially seemed to be recovering, his condition soon took a turn for the worse, leading to an extended hospital stay.

The prayer rally brought together thousands of Jews from across the religious spectrum to ask G-d to heal the revered Jewish sage. The event included special prayers and calls for national repentance and brotherhood as a merit for the rabbi's quick recovery.

Despite his weakened condition Rabbi Eliyahu was able to give a new year’s message, blessing those who prayed on his behalf and the nation as a whole. The blessing was broadcast to the crowd on a large screen.

Thank G-d, I am on the way to being as I was before

“I thank the public for their interest in my condition,” said Rabbi Eliyahu, “and I also thank the nation for praying to G-d, and G-d hears their prayers. Thank G-d, I am on the way to being as I was before. G-d should bless the crowd, the entire public, and all those who are listening, G-d bless all of them in the land of Israel and outside the land, and may all have a good year, and bless you.”