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.]