When I originally planned my Shabbat program, I had envisioned a big room, full of people. I envisioned space for our four corners game. Turns out, I envisioned wrong.

When I got to the room, we were cramped in a tiny ballroom. One corner filled with books, another with a random table, and two with sound system technology.

At first, I was really upset; we had planned this program and put together dreams in our heads. Then I talked to my co, he too was upset, but we realized together that we had to make the most of the situation. We went to the front of our room and led our service strongly.

While it wasn’t hundreds of teens who showed up, we had a small but meaningful Shabbat program full of engaged, excited people. Although it wasn’t exactly what we had imagined, it turned out to be special in its own way. I’ve realized there’s always a way to pivot to success, and there’s always an opportunity to make something special, whether it’s what you envisioned or not.