JERUSALEM — Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, considered this generation’s leading halachic authority, is conscious after spending two weeks in a coma.

Elyashiv, leader of the Lithuanian haredi Orthodox community, opened his eyes for the first time in two weeks on Sunday after being brought out of a drug-induced coma. He also sat in a chair in his hospital room for some time. He remains on a respirator, however, and is considered to be in serious condition. 

The rabbi will turn 102 in a month. He was hospitalized at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem two weeks ago with problems with his heart, lungs and kidneys.

His family has asked the public to continue praying for the rabbi’s recovery.

One man has offered to give up a year of his life to the rabbi, Ynet reported. The man was advised to get permission from his wife and children, which was granted, according to reports.