Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv
Rabbi Yosef Shalom ElyashivIsrael news photo: courtesy of Beit HaShalom

The condition of 101-year-old Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, the leader of the Lithuania hareidi religious community who is one of Israel's greatest Torahs scholars, significantly improved on Sunday evening, the Shaare Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem reported.

According to the report, the rabbi, who was hospitalized two weeks ago in a critical condition, awoke from his coma, reacted to his surroundings and even sat on a chair.

The hospital clarified that although the rabbi is awake, he is not out of the woods yet and his life may still be in danger. His family has asked the public to continue to pray for his recovery.

Rabbi Elyashiv was hospitalized after he began suffering from shortness of breath and low blood pressure. He underwent treatment for removing liquids from his lungs, after a decrease in heart function.

The rabbi later lost consciousness and last week it was reported that he was undergoing critical treatment following a further deterioration in his condition.

On Sunday it was reported that one father from Jerusalem offered one year of his own life if G-d will lengthen Rabbi Elyashiv’s life.

The man, a Torah student identified only as Aharon, told the hareidi-religious news outlet Kikar Shabbat that he had thought over the offer carefully, and was completely serious. Before making the offer official he spoke to multiple rabbis, he said.

The rabbis advised him to speak first to his family. His wife and children agreed to let him make the trade, he said.