Whitewater Rafting in Michigan

With a MA and a PhD in Jewish Studies from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Yaron Eliav is an associate professor of Rabbinic Literature and Jewish History of Late Antiquity in the department of Near Eastern studies at the University of Michigan. Outside of his academic work in Judaic Studies, Yaron Eliav enjoys whitewater rafting.

Michigan offers several options for adventurers seekers whitewater rafting opportunities. Listed below are three companies that offer group and solo rafting trips:

1. Northwoods Adventures: Located in Iron Mountain, Michigan, Northwood takes rafters through beautiful scenery and difficult rapids, and prides itself on its great hospitality.

2. Gallup River Rafting: This Ann Arbor-based company recently added manmade rapids to its course, offering participants a taste of whitewater rafting without overwhelming them

3. Bear River Whitewater Park: Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Bear River runs through the city of Petosky. The water here is different each season, offering rafters a unique excursion on every visit. This local Northern Michigan community removed all dams and other debris from the river, allowing it to flow in its original course.

Third Century Initiative Grant Aims to Innovate Learning

Yaron Eliav is a professor of near eastern and Jewish studies at the University of Michigan. Yaron Eliav was awarded the Transforming Learning for Third Century Initiative Grant. Through it, he is partnering with the Kelsey Museum to innovate the way students learn about the ancient Judaic world though hands-on engagement with artifacts and other forms of exploration.

As the University of Michigan prepares to celebrate its 2017 bicentennial, the Third Century Initiative is intended to create more opportunities for innovative learning programs. The Initiative is especially focused on global challenges, and aims to engage with technology to address issues like mental health or how the judicial system interacts with the public all over the world.

The Initiative also intends to intensify student learning, through projects in and out of the classroom including work in museums, art galleries, libraries, laboratories, and other spaces. These include projects on 3D printing, arts in public spaces, and the creation of a campus farm to increase awareness of sustainable food systems. The University awarded nearly $6.4 million to six faculty projects in 2015.