H-Judaic is greatly saddened to learn of the passing, from cancer, of Prof. Martin Perlmutter (1943-2023), longtime director and the builder/shaper of the Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston. Trained at CCNY and the Jewish Theological Seminary, with a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Illinois, Prof. Perlmutter taught philosophy at University of Texas, Austin before coming to the College of Charleston in 1979. He became director of what became known as the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston in 1991, and built that program, eventually raising funds for multiple faculty positions as well as a new building with a kosher dining room, now named for him. He also championed state and local Jewish history, a significant series of Jewish Studies lectures for the Charleston community, and the creation of the College of Charleston's famed Jewish Heritage Collection (https://jhc.cofc.edu/).
Prof. Perlmutter's courageous battle with cancer was chronicled here: https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/news/archive/2022/06/22/car-t-therapy-is-like-science-fiction-made-real-patient-says.
A long and interesting obituary in the Post and Courier, that points to his fame and significance within Charleston, may be found here: https://www.postandcourier.com/news/martin-perlmutter-longtime-director-of-jewish-studies-at-cofc-dies-at-79/article_e6d9eb10-95c3-11ed-badd-4bea51d15dfb.html
We extend deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and legions of students and friends.
Jonathan D. Sarna
Chair, H-Judaic
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