Hog farmers Israel, fearing they may soon be put out of business by an Orthodox-inspired bill banning the raising of pigs anywhere in the Jewish state, have come up with a novel solution to their plight.
They are considering importing and breeding babirusas, an Indonesian species of wild hog related to the pig family that chews its cud a has cloven hoofs.
According to Indonesian farmers, the meat the little-known animal tastes exactly like unkosher pig. But as it meets the biblical requirements for kashrut, it does not’ come under the ban on raising pigs for pork products such bacon and ham.
In appearance, the babirusa is taller a longer-legged than the hog and has a longer face.
News of an alleged "kosher pig" appears have taken the religious establishment by surprise A local rabbi was quoted by Israel Radio saying that although he had never heard of actually seen the animal, he thought that from the shape of its mouth it could not chew the cud and therefore could not be kosher.
Israeli pig breeders, who could lose their livelihoods if the bill is passed, say they investigating the Indonesian animal further and want to make sure it passes rabbinical muster before deciding whether to import it.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
