When the news of the hospitalization of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita was received late motzei Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos 5774, the Shas sponsored simchas beis hashoeva halted. The music came to an abrupt halt as the participants began reciting tehillim for the gadol hador. The large Yomtov event was taking place in the Armanot Chen Hall. Among the rabbonim present were Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, Rabbi Shimon Ba’adani, Rabbi Shlomo Machpud and Rabbi Shlomo Ben Shimon.

The gadol hador was admitted to an intensive care unit for continued monitoring. It is reported that Maran R’ Ovadia was conscious and alert when he was transported to the hospital.

The tzibur is urged to continue being mispallel for רבי עובדיה יוסף בן גורג’יה לרפואה שלימה בתוך שאר חולי ישראל

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)