QUESTION: I work in a catering hall and I am often told by the caterer to announce that the Chosson and Kallah have requested that everyone should silence their cell phones during the Chuppah. However, I know this to be untrue and that the caterer just wants me to say this as he believes it is the most effective way to get people to listen. Even though I know it is a lie, may I make the announcement, nonetheless?
ANSWER: I agree with your assertion that generally, Chossons and Kallahs do not make this request. Since the lie does not regard any monetary issues, Rav Elyashiv ZT”L would say that it is a Rabbinic prohibition (as stated in the Sheker section of Piskei HaGrish Choshain Mishpat). The Chofetz Chaim implies in Sefer Chofetz Chaim that it is a Torah prohibition. Regardless, the Gemorah in Yevamos 65b tells us that, “Mutar Leshanos Mipnei HaShalom” – it is permitted to lie to keep the peace. Lying to keep the peace may only be done occasionally, according to Rav Yavrov ZT”L in his Niv Sfasayim Section II (#5 and #6), because if done regularly, we may be unintentionally training ourselves to lie.
Applying this concept to your situation, if there is a strong chance that those at the Chuppah would take issue with the phone ringing during the Chuppah, then it is permitted to make the announcement, assuming there is no other way to get people to listen. However, making the following announcement, which is not a lie, would also get people to listen. Therefore, this is the announcement that you must make instead: “In deference to the honor of the Chosson and Kallah, please make sure to silence your cell phones.”
