Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv's condition continues to deteriorate:

The leader of the Lithuanian Orthodox public is suffering from pulmonary edema and has been instructed by his doctors not to leave his house until further notice – not even to pray in a nearby synagogue.

The rabbi's aides confirmed that he was in need of "God's mercy" and called on the public to pray for his recovery. The noted, however, that his doctors had decided not to hospitalize him this time but rather prescribe medications for him to take at home.

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The associates denied rumors that the rabbi's heart had weakened and that he was on the verge of multi-system failure.

Rabbi Elyashiv was hospitalized at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center two weeks ago after experiencing shortness of breath. Doctors decided to admit the rabbi after diagnosing pulmonary edema, his associates said, adding that he was conscious and in stable condition.

The 101-year-old rabbi has been suffering from ongoing weakness in recent months.

The rabbi's condition improved the morning after he was hospitalized, enabling him to pray in his room. After receiving medical care and further supervision, he was sent home.

Many Ashkenazi Jews regard Elyashiv, Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach's successor, as the "posek ha-dor" – the contemporary leading authority on Jewish Law.