צמצום

צמצום (Tzimtzum, lit. contraction or concealment) is the process by which the infinite Divine light, אור אין סוף, was concealed and restrained to allow for the creation of finite worlds and beings.

Definition

The concept of צמצום is pivotal to understanding the existence of the worlds. Without it, the worlds could not have been created in their present finite form, as the infinite revelation of the אור אין סוף would have nullified them entirely. This process is not a change in G-d's essence, as it is written, "I, HaShem, have not changed," but rather a concealment of the light.

The Nature of the צמצום

The צמצום is described as an "occulation and concealment" of the flow of Divine light and vitality. It is a withdrawal of the אור (light), not the מאור (Source of Light). The מאור itself is not subject to צמצום and remains revealed everywhere, which is why even children have a basic awareness of G-d's existence.

This withdrawal of light creates what is called a מקום פנוי וחלל (empty space and void). However, this space is only "empty" of the revealed light; it is still filled by the מאור itself. The process is analogous to a teacher who must conceal the full depth and breadth of a concept to explain it to a student, leaving only a single point or an impression (רשימו) for the student to grasp.

Types of צמצום

Chassidus discusses several types of צמצום:

• צמצום דרך סילוק (Removal):This is the צמצום הראשון (First Tzimtzum), a complete removal necessary when one thing (infinite light) precludes the existence of another (finite worlds).
• צמצום דרך מיעוט (Diminution):This is a reduction in the revelation, used when the recipient is incapable of receiving the full extent of the light. An example is a teacher simplifying a concept for a student.
• צמצום דרך פרסא (Investment/Partition): This is used when a concept is unrelatable and must be presented through a different medium, like a משל (analogy). This is also the function of the פרסא (curtain) that separates the spiritual worlds, such as between אצילות and בריאה.
• העכבה (Pause/Delay): This form of צמצום is the pause that occurs between levels of revelation due to G-d's free choice. Since each step is voluntary and not a necessary consequence of the previous one, there is a "pause" where the decision to proceed is made. This applies even to the levels preceding the revelation of אור אין סוף.

אור and כלים

The צמצום and the concealment it creates are referred to as כלים (vessels), while the life-force itself is called אור (light). The כלים serve to limit the infinite אור, allowing it to be revealed in proportion to the capacity of finite beings. The contracted light that is invested within and pervades the worlds is known as ממלא כל עלמין ("filling all worlds"). The principal, uncontracted light that remains concealed from the worlds' perspective is called סובב כל עלמין ("encompassing all worlds").

Purpose of the צמצום

The primary purpose of the צמצום is to enable the creation of finite worlds. However, the descent (ירידה) of the צמצום is understood to be ירידה לצורך עליה—a descent for the purpose of a greater ascent. This process, achieved through the עבודה of מסירות נפש (self-sacrifice) during the time of גלות (exile), ultimately reveals a deeper level of G-dliness. It allows the infinite light to be perceived as natural to the world, rather than as something additional to it.

Teachings of the Rabbeim

• The Alter Rebbe teaches that the צמצום applies only to the אור but not to the מאור. The מאור remains revealed, which is the source for the innate faith even in a child who knows there is a G-d.
• The Rebbe Rashab, in Toras Shalom, explains the concept of צמצום as העכבה (a pause). This pause reflects that every stage of Divine revelation is a product of absolute free choice, not necessity.
• The Baal Shem Tov teaches that אור אין סוף is found enveloped within all the concealments. This means that the concealment itself is a mode of Divine revelation, and the אור is present even within the concealment.