"Kosher pork" (aka goose) OK'd in Israel

JERUSALEM - "Kosher pork" may now be on the menu for observant Jews.

The office of Israel's chief rabbi Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger said that imports of an organic goose grown in Spain that tastes like pork have been approved.

Metzger said three non-Jewish chefs confirm its swinish flavor.

Jewish dietary law strictly forbids eating pork.

Metzger's office said 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, and can purchase it at non-kosher stores, but some communities ban its sale. There have also been protests at some stores that sell pork. (In 2007 a deli in Netanya was set on fire.)

"Kosher pork" would open new culinary opportunities for the observant.

Spokesman Avi Blumenthal said Metzger is eager to begin imports 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."