One rabbi answered, with no apparent irony, "Making the synagogue a spiritual place."

"If those scaremongers have their way they'll destroy the entire economy" is the kind of claim uttered almost daily, without any apparent irony.

Beginners get nervous and do it all the time," he says with no apparent irony.

One thoughtful woman volunteers, without apparent irony: "I get no sense that my autonomy has been destroyed.

"As a whole," they write, without apparent irony, "journalists tend to get self-righteous in these kinds of matters."

He sketched a wave and smiled, this time with no apparent irony.

How good of you to join us," the elder man said warmly, without any apparent irony.

Then came Part 2, signing the certificate, which takes place - with no apparent irony - in the admitting office.

She identifies herself, without apparent irony, as "just an honored collective worker."

"We never leave anyone hanging," he said without apparent irony.