Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu (the Rishon L'Tzion) was temporarily released from Sha'arei Tzedek hospital on Monday. The rabbi has been hospitalized for eight months, many of which he spent in serious condition.
Rabbi Eliyahu made use of the time to travel to Bethlehem and pray at Rachel's Tomb (Kever Rachel). He prayed for the people of Israel and for rain.
Rabbi Shmuel Zafrani, Rabbi Eliyahu's personal aide, said the rabbi was in good condition. “The rabbi's condition has improved, in merit of the public's many prayers,” he said.
The trip was Rabbi Eliyahu's second since his hospitalization. He was released for a short period of time last Thursday as well. A nurse accompanied the rabbi to his home to visit his family. “The rabbi felt a need to return home and be with his family, even for just a short time,” his aides explained.
Rabbi Eliyahu underwent open-heart surgery six weeks ago. He has continued to bless the public from his hospital bed. His followers have organized several prayer sessions on his behalf, and continue to pray for his recovery.