ParshaWorld

PHP 8.3 · SQLite · Hebcal API · Sefaria API · Tailwind CSS · May 2026

ParshaWorld takes the weekly Torah portion and turns it into a short read for families of all ages. Each weekly Torah portion is condensed into a few pages of plain child-friendly text, keeping the narrative intact while making it accessible for young readers.

The site automatically detects which weekly Torah portion is current using the Hebcal API and opens straight to this week's reading. It handles double portion weeks and includes a Torah portion 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 Torah portion name, Hebrew name, book reference, page-by-page story text, and verse references. I spent a considerable amount of time training a fine-tuned model to generate these accessible retellings based directly on the original Hebrew text provided by the Sefaria API. The text is currently available in English and Finnish.

Reader feedback is collected through a simple star rating and comment form at the end of each reading. I highly encourage users to leave feedback for each text, as it is very helpful for refining the stories!

What it was for me

This project started as a way to make Torah readings part of our family's weekly routines. The kids needed something shorter and simpler than the original text, but still faithful to the source. I wanted to design something that takes only 5min to read.

Moving forward, by the time of writing the plan is to review the Finnish translations and make the texts available in audio format as well. On the roadmap is also to extend the site to cover the weekly Haftarah portions as well.