Chazal[1] relate a story about the Tanna, Rebbi Elazar ben Arach.  After the destruction of the second Beis HaMikdash, Rebbi Elazar ben Arach went to a a certain city expecting his students to follow him. They didn’t. Alone in a city known for its decadence, he forgot his Torah learning. When he had the opportunity to read from a Torah, instead of reading, “???????? ?????? ?????/This month is for you,”[2] he transposed the letters and read, “???????? ????? ??????/Their hearts were deaf”, a seemingly innocuous mistake.  The Chiddushei HaRim[3], however, understands that this was not an innocuous mistake.  The mistake was actually a hint to Rebbi Elazar to leave the city.

The Chiddushei HaRim understands this from a Midrash[4] which implies that the leaders of Israel either have the power to lead the people and steer them onto the right path or are led by them and fall.  Rebbi Elazar understood the words that he mistakenly said as applying to the inhabitants of the city of his exile.  He understood that he would not be able to improve them, would be drawn after their evil ways and should therefore leave. 

The Sfas Emes gives another interpretation to this story.  The new moon/month symbolizes renewal.  The words for month and new are the same, ??????

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