Tzimtzum
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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The Tzimtzum (Hebrew צמצום ṣimṣūm "contraction/constriction/condensation/withdrawal") is a term used in the Lurianic Kabbalah teaching of Isaac Luria, to explain his new doctrine that God began the process of creation by "contracting" his infinite light in order to allow for a "conceptual space" in which finite and seemingly independent realms could exist. This primordial initial contraction, forming a Khalal/Khalal Hapanoi ("empty space", חלל הפנוי) into which new creative light could beam, is denoted by general reference to the Tzimtzum. In contrast to earlier, Medieval Kabbalah, this made the first creative act a concealment/Divine exile rather than unfolding revelation. This dynamic crisis-catharsis in the Divine flow is repeated throughout the Lurianic scheme.
See also
- Apeiron (cosmology)
- Lurianic Kabbalah
- Ein Sof
- Ohr Ein Sof
- Ayin and Yesh
- Atzmus
- Jewish principles of faith
- Negative theology in Judaism
- Divine simplicity
- Divine transcendence
- Divine immanence
- Big Bounce
- Panentheism
- Nondualism
- Monism
- Acosmism
- Free will in Judaism
- Divine providence in Judaism
