Tzimtzum (Kabbalah)

The constriction refers to a diminishing of the divine light. This constriction does not constitute a change in the divine light itself, as the Creator bestows His light constantly and fully. Rather, any constriction of the light is the result of a change in the created vessels formed of the will to receive. In order for constriction to take place, the vessel is modified through the placement of a partition upon it so that it is prevented from receiving the light. There are two types of constriction in the process of creation, the first constriction (in which a partition is placed upon the vessel), and the second constriction.