tzimtzum

Judaism

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July 14, 2026

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In Judaism, tzimtzum is a concept within Lurianic Kabbala, a form of Jewish mysticism. It describes the divine "withdrawal" or contraction of God's infinite light to create a primordial space for the existence of the universe. This process, however, led to a catastrophic event where luminous particles sank into matter, creating "shells" of impurity.12

The core idea of Lurianic Kabbala, and tzimtzum within it, is the concept of tiqqun, or cosmic restoration. This involves the belief that through intense mystical practices, prayer, and adherence to Jewish law (mitzvot), Jews can help repair the world by raising these trapped divine sparks and restoring harmony between the divine and material realms. This doctrine emphasizes an active role for humanity in the divine plan for redemption.123

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Isaac ben Solomon Luria
…is based on three concepts: tzimtzum (“contraction,” or “withdrawal”), shevirat ha-kelim (“breaking of the vessels”), and tiqqun (“restoration”). God as the Infinite (En Sof) withdraws into himself in order to make room for the creation, which occurs by a beam of light from the Infinite into the newly provided space.…
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…is based on three concepts: tzimtzum (“contraction,” or “withdrawal”), shevirat ha-kelim (“breaking of the vessels”), and tiqqun (“restoration”). God as the Infinite (En Sof) withdraws into himself in order to make room for the creation, which occurs by a beam of light from the Infinite into the newly provided space.…
Read More