Zera Shimshon – Mantua, 1778 – Segulah Book for Offspring and Abundant Livelihood

Zera Shimshon – Mantua, 1778 – Segulah Book for Offspring and Abundant Livelihood
Zera Shimshon, homiletics on the Torah and the Five Megillot, by R. Shimshon Chaim son of R. Nachman Michael Nachmani. Mantua, [1778]. Segulah for offspring, good life and abundant livelihood.
The author, R. Shimshon Chaim Nachmani (1706-1779), was an Italian kabbalist and Torah scholar. He disseminated Torah in Modena and Mantua and educated disciples who later held rabbinic positions in several Italian communities. He also authored Toldot Shimshon on Tractate Avot. The Chida wrote that R. Nachmani was well versed in practical Kabbalah and ordered his kabbalistic writings to be buried with him in his grave (Shem HaGedolim, Maarechet Sefarim, 46).
In the preface, the author implores "with ten expressions of prayer" to study his book, and blesses those who do so: "The One who repays will recompense you… with the threefold blessing of offspring, life and abundant livelihood". Further in the preface, the author writes that since his only son had passed away, leaving him without descendants, he named his book Zera Shimshon, and promises: "And your eyes will witness sons and grandsons like olive shoots around your table, wise and intelligent, and houses full of goodness, neither wealth nor honor will cease from your descendants…".
In recent years, interest in this book has grown considerably, and many accounts have been publicized of couples who were blessed with children in the merit of this book. These stories were recorded in the Niflaot Shimshon leaflets and later in Kovetz Sipurei Yeshuot printed at the end of the new edition of the book (published by the Association for Spreading the Teachings of the Zera Shimshon, Arad 2015).
[1], 2-104, 108-115, [2], 117-62 [i.e. 162]; 21, [1] leaves (misfoliation). Final two leaves lacking, replaced in photocopy (leaf 21 and final leaf with errata and omissions). 33.5 cm. Light-colored paper. Fair condition. Stains. Open tears and worming to title page and other leaves (repaired with paper). Damage to text of title page. Leaves trimmed, affecting text of printed marginal glosses. Ownership inscriptions and stamps. Old non-original binding.