ParshaWorld

PHP 8.3 · Slim 4 · SQLite · Hebcal API · Tailwind CSS · May 2026

ParshaWorld takes the weekly Torah portion and turns it into a short bedtime read for families with children. Each parsha is condensed into a few pages of plain language, keeping the narrative intact while making it accessible for young readers.

The site automatically detects which parsha is current using the Hebcal API and opens straight to this week's reading. It handles double parsha weeks, language variants, and includes a parsha selector to browse the full cycle.

It's live at parshaworld.com.

How it works

Each Torah portion is stored as a JSON file containing the parsha name, Hebrew name, book reference, page-by-page story text, and verse references. The Slim 4 framework serves the content through a front controller, with PHP-DI handling dependency injection and plain PHP templates for rendering.

When you open the site, the ParshaLoader service calls the Hebcal API to find this week's parsha, caches the result for the day, and loads the matching content file. If it's a double parsha week, the system falls back to the first half automatically.

Reader feedback is collected through a simple star rating and comment form, stored in SQLite. There's also a lightweight admin panel behind passphrase auth for reviewing and rating content quality.

What it was for me

This project started as a way to make Torah readings part of our family's bedtime routine. The kids needed something shorter and simpler than the original text, but still faithful to the source. Building the site gave me a reason to work with Slim 4 and to design something that feels warm and inviting for young readers.