Klein's: צִמְצוּם m.n. MH 1 compressing, condensing, contraction. NH 2 restriction, reduction, limitation. [Verbal n. of צִמְצֵם (see צמצם), coined by Rashi (1040–1105).] The tzimtzum or tsimtsum (Hebrew: צמצום ṣimṣum "contraction/constriction/condensation") is a term used in the Lurianic Kabbalah to explain Isaac Luria's doctrine that God began the process of creation by "contracting" his Ohr Ein Sof (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 ḥalal hapanuy "vacant space" (חלל הפנוי) into which new creative light could beam, is denoted by general reference...