I'm at a synagogue before the ceremony, and the groom, the groom's father, and the rabbi are chatting. I go to stick a microphone on the groom's jacket, and the rabbi looks at me.
"He won't need it. He only says a few words."
I instantly reply: "But they're important words, right?"
I wasn't trying to be funny, but the rabbi smiles, the father of the groom laughs.
"Yes. They are very important words," concedes the rabbi.
Case closed. I continue going about my business (frantically as always).
In hindsight, I realize that maybe there was something sort of rabbinical about that discussion, and this might have been part of what amused them -- something to do with a tradition of debate and discussion, and maybe an appreciation for good arguments.
Years later I learn that, traditionally, the bride says nothing during the ceremony, and the groom says just one sentence: "Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the law of Moses and Israel."
Worth recording, right?
