"Jewish life is not about rights, or power, or access. It is, above and beyond all else, covenantal. It is about actualizing the covenant between G-d and each individual and G-d and this world.

The Torah teaches that the ultimate purpose of our lives -- male and female -- is to fill the universe with G-dliness and spirituality. This we do by infusing our every action with sanctity, by using every opportunity to free the G-dly spark inherent in each facet of creation. There is a name for this exercise -- mitzvot. This is the definition of Jewish life. Unquestionably, women have equal obligations and privilege in bringing G-d's plan for this universe to fruition. Just as clearly they have their own strengths, modes of expression, and areas of concentration."

Jewish feminist Rivkah Slonim co-director of the Chabad House at Binghamton University and author of Total Immersion: A Mikvah Anthology chabad.org

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