What is hope, really—and can it be measured?

In this special guest conversation, recorded at a live event on Dec. 5, Rabbi Scott Gellman sits down with political psychologist Dr. Oded Leshem, founder of the International Hub for Hope Research (ReHOPE) at Hebrew University and author of Hope Amidst Conflict. Together, they explore hope not as a vague slogan, but as a measurable force with two dimensions: what we wish for, and what we believe is possible.

From the difference between hope and wishful thinking to why hope only counts when it’s tied to action, Dr. Leshem offers a powerful framework for anyone trying to hold onto tikvah in complicated times.