lecturing and preaching. On returning to New York, he endeavored to establish a yeshiva based on the European model, but found little encouragement. In 1905, Ridvaz left America and moved to Safed, where he established a yeshiva, Toras Eretz Yisrael. In 1909, he entered into controversy with Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook over the proper observance of the Shemittah year, and, in particular, use of the "sale permit" known as the Heter mechira. Works Ridvaz's most notable works were two commentaries on the Talmud Yerushalmi: Chiddushei Ridvaz, modelled on Rashi's commentaries to the Talmud Bavli, explained the literal meaning of the text; Tosfoth haRid (Piotrków, 1899–1900), modeled on the Tosafot. It compared and contrasted the significance of the text in question with other Talmudic and Halachic texts. Ridvaz's other works include: Migdal Oz (1874) Migdal David (1874), novellae on both Talmuds; Chana David (1876), commentary on Tractate Challah; Teshuvoth haRidvaz (1881), responsa; Nimmuké Ridvaz (1904), commentary on the Torah; Beth Ridvaz, explanation of Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov's work Pe'ath Hashulchan. Family Abramsky family Grandfather-in-law of Belarus-born Rabbi Yehezkel Abramsky who influentially headed the London Beth Din for 17 years. Wilovsky's daughter was married to Rabbi Yisroel Yehonasan Yerushamski; their daughter Hindl Reizel married Abramsky. Great-grandfather of Chimen Abramsky Professor of Jewish Studies at University College London and expert on rare Jewish books and socialist literature. Chimen was son of Yehezkel. Great-great-grandfather of Dame Jenny Abramsky, who as Director of Audio and Music was the most senior female employee of the BBC and currently serves as chairman of the UK's National Heritage Memorial Fund. Jenny is the daughter of Chimen. Great-great-grandfather of computer scientist and lecturer Samson Abramsky. Great-great-great grandfather of journalist and author Sasha Abramsky. Sasha is the son of Chimen's son Jack. Konvitz family Father-in-law of Rabbi Joseph Konvitz, who was president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America in the 1930s and played an instrumental role in ending a kosher butcher strike. Grandfather of Philip Konvitz who was indicted for being deeply involved in New Jersey organized crime. Philip was a son of Joseph. Grandfather of Milton R. Konvitz, a founder of Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Milton was a son of Joseph. Great-grandfather of Josef W. Konvitz, historian and diplomat who served as Division Head of Urban Affairs and of Regulatory Policy at the OECD, 1992–2011. References Hebrew Printing in America 1735–1926, A