Rabbi Elyashiv
Rabbi ElyashivIsrael news photo: Flash 90

The condition of Rabbi Elyashiv worsened during the night, and there is little hope that he might be able to go home for Purim next week.

Doctors at Shaarei Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem examined the Torah sage, nearly 102 years old, during the night and are concerned that a rising fever could cause complications and develop into pneumonia.

They attached him to a breathing machine after several days when he was able to breathe on his own, leading to hopes from family members that he might be able to celebrate the Purim festival at home next week.

“The rabbi needs mercy from HaShem,” said his spokesman Shlomo Kook. “With the kindness of HaShem, the situation of Rabbi Elyashiv improved lately, but doctors now are concerned after his temperature rose.

“We plead for tearing down the gates to Heaven so prayers will continue to work for the return to health of Rabbi Yosef Shalom ben Chaya Moosha.

Rabbi Elyashiv was hospitalized three weeks ago and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit. After his condition deteriorated, doctors performed resuscitation procedures, and last week he was able to breathe on his own and even had enough strength to pray.