As concern continues over the condition of renowned mekubal Rav Dov HaKohen Kook, who has been hospitalized for several weeks at Poriya Medical Center in Tiveriah, a new name has been added to his name as a zechus for his recovery.

After consultations with Rav Kook’s family and close disciples, the question of adding a name was presented to Rav Don Segal. Rav Segal instructed that the name “Chizkiyahu” be added and offered a brocha for a complete and speedy recovery.

Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, Rav Kook’s father-in-law, also reportedly endorsed the decision and added his brocha.

About a week and a half ago, in a rare move, Rav Segal called for a special gathering of tefillah in his bais medrash in Yerushalayim on behalf of Rav Kook’s recovery. The two Torah leaders have shared a close relationship and deep mutual respect for many years.

At the gathering, Rav Segal asked Rav Bentzion HaKohen Kook, a cousin of Rav Dov Kook and a prominent posek, to address those assembled.

Speaking at the event, Rav Bentzion Kook described Rav Dov Kook’s extraordinary devotion to davening on behalf of others. He recalled that when he once asked Rav Kook to daven for a particular matter, Rav Kook responded that he would do so the following day because he first needed to fully immerse himself in and internalize the request. Rav Bentzion explained that Rav Kook’s tefillos are lengthy because he pours his entire being into davening for every individual, especially for the Jewish people as a whole. He urged the public to repay some of that devotion by praying for Rav Kook’s recovery.

Rav Don later led the tefillos himself and made a striking remark, saying that the tefillos were not truly for Rav Kook, but for the benefit of those offering them.

The public is continuing to be urged to daven for the complete recovery of Rav Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohen ben Shoshana.