There has been a deterioration in the condition of HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv, shlita. The senior physicians overseeing the rav’s medical treatment did not have good news for family members earlier Wednesday evening.
An update was received from the rav’s spokesman, Rav Shlomo Kook, stating the rav is “stable” but doctors are particularly concerned with a systemic infection which is resulting in a high fever.
It appears that during a consultation between the attending physicians, including experts from Shaare Zedek and Sheba Medical Centers, it will not be possible to disconnect the respirator in the coming days due to the rav’s condition, his inability to breathe spontaneously. The respirator complicates efforts to remove the fluid that continues building up in the rav’s lungs. In short, the situation is critical and continued tefillos are needed.
Am Yisrael is urged to be mispallel for the gadol ha’dor, Rav Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha b’soch kol cholei Am Yisrael.
In a recent interview with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), Rav Simcha HaCohen Kook, shlita, chief rabbi of Rechovot, explained that he visited Rav Elyashiv on erev Shabbos at home to inquire regarding a number of halachic issues. “I was so pleasantly surprised to see him doing so well and his mind was sharp and alert,” he explained.
Rav Kook wished to consult with the rav regarding a couple in the process of divorce, explaining that in his 40 years as rav of Rechovot he always knew that he has an address, someone with whom he can consult regarding any and all issues, and this is what he did.
Rav Kook explained that for Am Yisrael the generations are defined by the gedolei hador, as the period during the time of the Rambam, referred to by that great personality and his contribution to the Jewish people.
Rav Kook shared with listeners the uniqueness and unparalleled qualities of the gadol ha’dor, “who gives this generation a place in history as well due to his presence, sharpness of mind, and commitment to Torah.” He stressed that as recently as this past erev Shabbos, 10 Shevat 5772, while he was physically weak, his presence of mind, concentration on davening, and ability to discuss the issues at hand were simply outstanding.
Rabbi Kook drew an analogy from medicine, explaining that when a rav seeks advice he must seek out a rabbi who is more learned and advanced than he, and Rabbi Elyashiv is at the top of this ladder. He explained a doctor seeking advice seeks out a more senior physician in his quest to cure the body, and here it is far more serious, addressing the soul. (YeshivaWorldNews)