Israeli chief rabbi pushes 'kosher pork'

[November 29, 2011]  JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel's chief rabbi is bringing home the bacon.

Yona Metzger's office says it is primed to allow import of an organic goose grown in Spain that tastes like pork. Metzger says three non-Jewish chefs confirm its swinish flavor. Jewish dietary law strictly forbids eating pork. Metzger's office says there is no Jewish injunction against eating goose, no matter what it tastes like, as long as it is slaughtered according to Jewish ritual.

Secular Israelis have long enjoyed pork at non-kosher restaurants. "Kosher pork" would open new flavors to the observant.

Spokesman Avi Blumenthal said Metzger is eager to begin the importing as soon as the geese reach slaughtering weight. He said the rabbi would see that it passes "all the rabbinical kosher authorities to make sure it gets to Israel."

[Associated Press]

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