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There has been a significant improvement in the condition of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the spiritual leader of Sephardi ultra-Orthodox party Shas.

Rabbi Yosef, aged 93, who is both a revered religious authority and the ultimate authority in Shas, was hospitalized over a week ago in Jerusalem suffering from severe pain, heart and kidney problems. He was sedated, placed on a respirator and it appeared that his life was in acute danger. However, it was announced yesterday by Professor Dan Gilon of Haddasah Ein Kerem Hospital that “The rabbi has to all intents and purposes returned to full consciousness… This is certainly a significant improvement.” Prof Gilon said that Rabbi Yosef remains “an elderly man with serious illnesses” but that respiratory support had been lowered and medication to regulate his blood pressure reduced to a minimum. Prof Gilon commented, “The danger to his life is still there in the background, but less extreme.” Prof Gilon also added that doctors are optimistic that Rabbi Yosef has not sustained any brain damage.

Rabbi Yosef is considered the key unifying figure throughout Shas, which has played a major role in Israeli politics during the last two decades. However, the party has been plagued by infighting during the last year, following the return to prominence of former leader Aryeh Deri, and finds itself in opposition having been a mainstay of Israeli governments since the 1990s. Since his hospitalization, the Israeli media has speculated heavily that deep divisions exist within Shas over who might succeed Rabbi Yosef. Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the former Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel and Rabbi Yosef’s son, who recently succeeded Amar as Chief Rabbi, are considered the two main potential heirs apparent.

However, Rabbi Yosef’s condition is being closely monitored beyond Shas circles. Across Israel’s religious landscape he is considered a spiritual and rabbinic giant of his generation.