Goldstein, who said she is not religiously observant, added that she thinks feminism and Judaism are not mutually exclusive.

"I don't think your choice of religion should restrict you choice of career," Goldstein said. "It's just so important."

Across from Goldstein's workshop in Sever Hall, other women offered a different option: a union of career and Judaism in the role of rabbi.

"Some women are repelled by what they see as anti-feminist traditions in the religion, but I want to go into the religion because of my feminist beliefs," said Tammy Shoham, a Hillel Fellow and conference participant. "I want to be a rabbi in part because I'm a woman and I can."

The same diversity of thought and belief filled the lecture halls during an interdenominational panel discussion Saturday.

"God revealed Himself and His will to a select group of people. It is our duty to dedicate our lives to following God's law and accomplishing His work," said Elkie Zarchy, who a member of Chabad Lubavitch, a Hasidic Jewish group based in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Conservative Rabbi Elyse A Winick offered a less prescriptive interpretation of the faith.