Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Has Minor Stroke, At First Refuses To Go To Hospital On Shabbat

The Sefardi haredi Shas political party’s founder and spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef had what is being called a minor stroke on Shabbat and was rushed to Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem – but only after waiting hours because he did not want to desecrate Shabbat.

 

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Has Minor Stroke, Refuses To Call Doctor Or Go To Hospital For Hours Because Of Shabbat
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
   
The Sefardi haredi Shas political party’s founder and spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef had what is being called a minor stroke on Shabbat.

Yosef reportedly collapsed and was rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

Other reports said the 92-year-old rabbi simply felt unwell and weak and was taken to Hadassah as a precaution.

"There was a stroke. It was small; it didn't cause much damage. His speech is fluent. He is fully aware and able to concentrate," Aryeh Deri, a co-chairman of Shas reportedly said after visiting Yosef in the hospital.  "God willing he will be discharged soon."

"(The rabbi) arrived after feeling weak. Extensive testing indicated he most likely suffered a very minor stroke. After consulting with the rabbi, his family and his personal physician it was decided he would remain in the hospital for observation and rest,” Dr. Yuval Weiss, the hospital’s director, told reporters.

Weiss stressed that Yosef remained conscious and that he is expected to be able to return to his home in about two days.

A source close to Yosef's family told Ynet that Yosef felt numbness in his left hand around 2:30 am Saturday morning but refused to go to the hospital or call a doctor because it was Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath.

Later, Yosef felt ill while praying at his synagogue during the morning prayer service.

A doctor who was praying there with Yosef insisted that Yosef was potentially suffering a stroke, and that the 92-year-old rabbi should be taken to the hospital immediately.

Jewish law would have mandated Yosef or anyone else with his symptoms to seek immediate medical attention even on Shabbat or a Jewish holiday. He should have been taken to hospital after noticing the numbness in hand overnight.

[Hat Tip: Ruthie.]

Comments

[Ari]

I wish him a refuah shelema.

[A Yid]

Refua shleima!

[Yaakob Teiman Sevi Hashoteh Ben-Zonah Gemurah]

This is proof of the power and holiness of hasadik Rav Amnon Yischak Shlita. The world will soon see his greatness and all who attack him will fall.

[Rebitzman]

@Yaakob Teiman Sevi Hashoteh Ben-Zonah Gemurah

Text book idolatry.

[Yochanan Lavie]

I don't always agree with him, but I do wish him a refuah shelaimah all the same.

[Dave]

I also don't always agree with him, but I do wish him a refuah shelaimah all the same.
However, he really should have gone to hospital the moment he felt numbness in his hand.
I am not a doctor, but I understand that that is one of the classic symptoms of a stroke.

[dd]

he is doing pretty good for a 92 year old , strong as a rock . but he is overdoing it , he should start taking easy and slow down . he might live till 100 , easily ,but he needs to be treated for his heart condition .
he might be stubborn, those tough massive
guys don't listen to doctors . i hope he is smarter than those chassidim who think hashem will heal them .
amazing how he still have all his head on for a man of his age. he will make it.

[Wigmore]

Chasid Shoteh!

[refuah shleima]

The Rabbi has guts. I don't always agree with his views but one thing we can all learn is that Rav Ovadia says it the way he sees it without apology.

[ah-pee-chorus]

i dont wish him harm but being old and/or sick doesnt make a hateful jerk any less so.

[David]

I wish him well but to not go to hospital with an illness of this nature on Shabbat is in fact, a desecration of the Sabbath.

Refusing to go to hospital when medically and Halachically necessary shows how far they have removed themselves from Judaism.

[ca]

Posted by: Yaakob Teiman Sevi Hashoteh Ben-Zonah Gemurah | January 12, 2013 at 06:38 PM

It would seem so. He just cursed him after all. I don't know what to do. I'm afraid to say anything against either side! I wonder if the all powerful and holy of ztadik Rav Amnon Yischak Shlita will take public credit. Will R Yosef now retract and apologize to avoid further curses.

(The truth is I shouldn't make fun, If I'm not willing to make fun of my own Rebbaim. Oh well no_one is perfect. I do hear the point though.)

PS. Reb Yaakov ben-zonah, can you do m a favor and post your comment on VIN as well?

[Edge]

It is possible that, for certain tzadikim of a certain level, not rushing to the hospital for the purpose of protecting Shabbat in fact protected them from worse things. That is, had he rushed himself and made himself more nervous, it's very easy to aggravate the stroke. By calmly telling himself things would be okay, relying on H" and kavod Shabbat, he reduced the swelling and injury.

Disclaimer; this is only for very high tzadikim! To the rest of us, go to a hospital.