Condition of Leading Rabbi Deteriorating

The condition of Rabbi Nissim Karelitz deteriorated Monday after he lost consciousness in the afternoon hours. Rabbi Karelitz is one of the best-known rabbinic leaders in the Lithuanian hareidi community and is the Chairman of the Badatz (High Rabbinical Court) of Bnei Brak. 

Rabbi Karelitz has been hospitalized since last Wednesday, when he was admitted to Bnei Brak's Maayanei HaYeshua hospital, complaining of shortness of breath. 

Medical staff managed to stabilize the Rabbi's condition upon arrival, but later determined that he suffers from an intestinal problem that requires intensive surgery. The surgery was carried out Thursday at the hospital, with close family and friends at the Rabbi's side. 

As of Monday night, he is unconscious, sedated and on a respirator. 

The Rabbi's relatives have asked the public to pray for him, according to Kikar HaShabbat. His Hebrew name is HaRav Shmaryahu Yosef Nissim Ben Batya.

"Only prayer and saying Psalms will help him," a family member reportedly told the news outlet. Mass prayer sessions are currently being held in synagogues across Israel for the Rabbi's safe recovery.