The two practices run counter to more strict interpretations of Jewish law.

Orthodox Jews interpret Jewish law as obligating a man to perform grace after the Sabbath meal, for example.

If a woman were to lead the grace, according to Diamond, the men would not be fulfilling their Jewish obligations.

And if students were allowed to operate the soda machine during Friday night dinner, Rosenberg says, the dining hall would lose its kosher certification and, hence be unacceptable to many students who adhere to the laws of kashrut.

But Rosenberg says that since Hillel does not attempt to determine or interpret Jewish law on its own, it must defer to its members.

"Since a significant number of the people who attend Shabbat meals believe that [these practices run] counter to Jewish law, and therefore having women lead or turning the soda machines on would exclude them, we do not allow these practices at the current time," he says.

Rosenberg acknowledges that some Jews who would be characterized as "observant" believe that Jewish law does allow both the use of electricity on the Sabbath and women to lead, but says Hillel tries to remain neutral.

"Hillel does not take a stand on these issues of Jewish law--rather, it seeks to serve as many students as possible," he says. "There are always going to be disagreements over the way things are done in public places, but we've done a good job creating enough events we can do together."