Jerusalem – After his medical conditioned worsened on Friday, Rabbi Yaakov Yossef passed away at the age of 66 on Friday afternoon, succumbing after a long struggle with cancer, Israel Radio reported.
Yossef was the eldest son of Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yossef.
Though the two have had their differences over the years, notably Rabbi Yaakov’s endorsement for the controversial book Torat Hamelech which Rabbi Ovadia spoke out against as it may be construed by some as racist, Rabbi Ovadia lead thousands of followers and supporters in prayer all week in hopes of a miraculous recovery for his son.
Rabbi Yaakov was considered a great scholar in the haredi community, known for his vast knowledge on Jewish law.
His funeral will leave from the Borchov Synagogue in the Bukharim quarter in Jerusalem at 4:30 p.m. Friday.