Amanda Beckenstein Mbuvi, Ph.D.

Dr. Amanda Beckenstein Mbuvi is a scholar and teacher with expertise in Tanakh, Jewish ethics and multifaith studies. She serves as the director of the Center for Jewish Ethics at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, where she previously served as the vice president for academic affairs— the first African American to lead in that role at an American rabbinical seminary. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, she earned her Ph.D. from Duke University, specializing in Hebrew Bible with minors in Literature and Judaic Studies. She is the author of the book Belonging in Genesis: Biblical Israel and the Politics of Identity Formation, as well as numerous scholarly articles. She is passionate about dynamic, inclusive Jewish communities that cultivate what she likes to call “blessed interdependence.”

Essays

The Reconstructionist Network

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Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

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Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

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Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

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Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Read & Rite

One-stop shop for progressive Jewish books and ritual objects

Havaya Summer Programs

Overnight summer camp and teen Israel experience

Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association

Professional association of Reconstructionist rabbis

Placement Office

Placement resources for rabbis and congregations

Reconstructionist Educators of North America

Professional group for people leading schools in Reconstructionist congregations

Close-up of olive branches with green olives, sunlight filtering through the leaves creating a warm, golden glow.

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The Reconstructionist Network

A blank white square with no visible content.
A pure white, blank image with no distinguishable features or content.
A blank white square image.

Read & Rite

One-stop shop for progressive Jewish books and ritual objects

Placement Office

Placement resources for rabbis and congregations

Havaya Summer Programs

Overnight summer camp and teen Israel experience

Reconstructionist Educators of North America

Professional group for people leading schools in Reconstructionist congregations

Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association

Professional association of Reconstructionist rabbis