In 1975 Reinhartz received her B.A. in religious studies from the University of Toronto, in 1977 her M.A., and in 1983 her Ph.D. in religious studies from McMaster University.

Reinhartz joined the McMaster faculty in 1987. She was dean of graduate studies and research at Wilfrid Laurier University Wilfrid Laurier University - Headlines before being appointed associate vice-president, research at University of Ottawa in 2005. Since 2007, Reinhartz has been developing an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science program for the University of Ottawa, in addition to teaching and conducting research in the Department of Classics and Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa.

In 1997-1998 she was the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies president, and in 2005 she was made a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.