As Shabbos approaches, a thought crossed my mind after this week’s tragedy. I was thinking that, for once, let’s all turn our focus from the “Rosh Ha’Kahal” — the popular guys in shul — and instead look out for the more low-key neighbor. This could be a basement couple, someone new who moved from out of town, or even a guest.

We have no idea what is going on in someone else’s private life, but we have the power to offer a kind word, a welcoming “Good Shabbos,” and similar gestures. Show the person who sits near you in shul that you care for them and are available to help if needed. It takes so little effort on our part but can make a world of difference to them. It could be a little kid, a Yeshiva Bachur, or even an adult; they can all benefit from our greeting and the interest we show in their lives.

I have a friend who was recently going through a hard time after tragically losing a child. He told me he was at a local store in the children’s section and suddenly broke down crying uncontrollably. At that moment, a friend from the back noticed him (not the crying) and gave him a good squeeze on his shoulder and casually said, “Reb Yankel, how are you?” and just went on with his shopping. My friend said to me, “You have no idea how much chizuk I got from that. It helped me survive that day!”

That person had no idea how much that squeeze was needed. We have no idea how much a kind word is needed by someone else and what an impact it can have on someone else’s day or even life.

Let’s all try our best to do this, especially during this time of sadness, and help each other together!

Good Shabbos!