Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv is undergoing critical treatment following a further deterioration in his condition, doctors said Wednesday.
The Torah sage, who is to turn 102 next month, is under anesthesia and is breathing with the help of machines at Sha'arei Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem.
Physicians decided Wednesday to insert breathing tubes through his mouth following unsuccessful efforts earlier this week to take the rabbi off breathing machines and allow him to breathe on his own so they could drain liquids that had accumulated in his lungs.
He was able to breath independently for approximately two hours until his condition deteriorated rapidly, forcing doctors to return to using machines.
At the request of the family, Rabbi Elimelech Firer arrived at the hospital to advise the medical team. Rabbi Firer is known throughout the country and outside Israel for his vast knowledge of medical procedures.
Prayer rallies are being arranged throughout Israel Wednesday evening and Thursday for the recovery of Rabbi Elyashiv, one of the greatest modern Torah sages.
Readers are asked to pray for the speedy and complete recovery of HaRav Yosef Shalom ben Chaya Musha.