[UPDATED BELOW]

11:00 IL: Due to excruciating back pain Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita was compelled to cancel his motzei Shabbos shiur. Gabbaim of the gadol hador report he has been feeling pain for a number of days. On Thursday, 16 Elul 5773, there were reports that the rav had “water in his lungs”. The rav’s personal physician was summoned on Thursday to examine him.

Rav Ovadia was recently admitted to Hadassah Hospital where he underwent surgery on his back in the hope of eliminating the source of his pain.

Israel Radio reports at 11:00am that the gadol hador is undergoing tests in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital at this time.

Family members of the gadol hador call on the tzibur to continue being mispallel for מרן רב עובדיה בן ג’ורג’יה

UPDATE 16:04 IL: Officials at Hadassah Hospital indicate the Gadol Hador will remain hospitalized for a number of days for tests. Officials report the rav is comfortable and his condition is described as “good”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)