Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
Rabbi Ovadia YosefIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef remains in stable condition in the emergency unit of Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem. Rabbi Yosef, 93, was again taken to the hospital Sunday after complaining of pains over Shabbat. He was taken to hospital fully conscious, doctors said.

Yeshivas throughout Israel and the world are holding prayers for the rabbi on Monday. The Council of Torah Sages, the supreme religious authority for the Shas party, called on Jews “to tear the heavens apart and bring down the mercies of heaven” in order to ensure Rabbi Yosef's health.

Outside Rabbi Yosef's room overnight Sunday gathered top Shas MKs, including Aryeh Deri, Eli Yishai, and Ariel Attias. Deri wrote in a Facebook posting that “thank G-d the rabbi is stable, please continue with your prayers.”

Rabbi Yosef was released from a previous hospitalization last Thursday. He was hospitalized at the beginning of last week due to severe back pains.

The rabbi underwent back surgery in July after suffering severe pain, and his current pain could be an effect of the procedure.