Zera Shimshon

Zera Shimshon is a Jewish text written by Rabbi Shimshon Chaim Nachmani, an Italian kabbalist who lived during the 18th century. As is common for Jewish texts, the name of the work is also used to identify the author. The work, whose title translates to "The Seed of Shimshon," is composed of approximately 774 essays organized into 59 chapters, covering the 54 parashot of the Pentateuch as well as the Five Megillot.
Rabbi Nachmani wrote Zera Shimshon in memory of his only child, who died at a young age. The author stated that studying this work would bring heavenly blessings, a concept known as segula in Jewish tradition. The text has been published in various editions, some with explanatory commentary, and specific portions have been released as standalone works, such as the commentaries on the Book of Esther and Shir HaShirim.
In addition to Zera Shimshon, Rabbi Nachmani authored Toldot Shimshon, a commentary on Pirkei Avot, published in 1776.

Biography of Author

Rabbi Shimshon Chaim Nachmani was born in Modena, Italy. His father, Rabbi Nachman Michoel Nachmani, initially arranged for him to study with his maternal grandfather and the local Rabbi, Ephraim Cohen Lipshitz. Shimshon subsequently studied in Mantua with his Rabbi, Abiad Sar-Shalom Bazilla, author of a work named "Emunat Chachamim." Later on he studied Kabbalah in Reggio with his Rabbi, Benjamin Alexander HaKohen Vitali.
After being ordained, he initially moved to Mantua, becoming a local teacher, subsequently returning to Modena to both teach and lead a congregation.
His main work Zera Shimshon was published in Mantua ; his Toldot Shimshon on Pirke Avot was published in Leghorn.
Rabbi Nachmani died on August 18, 1779 in Reggio, Italy.