Atzmut (עַצְמוּת) transcends every conceivable definition. It is not merely infinite, but entirely beyond concepts of infinity, existence, or nonexistence. It is absolute singularity, utterly unified, indivisible, and indefinable. Atzmut cannot be spoken of, not due to hiddenness, but because all language and concepts emerge from it. It stands as the ultimate ground from which everything else arises without itself ever being reduced or limited.
The first subtle manifestation from Atzmut is Ayin (אַיִן), the primal no-thingness, which carries two distinct aspects. Void represents passive openness, a limitless receptivity capable of infinite potential. Chaos is Ayin’s active expression, a dynamic, restless force overflowing with energy, awaiting structuring and definition. Ayin is thus the metaphysical womb, simultaneously passive and active, from which creation will unfold.
Ein Sof (אֵין סוֹף) emerges from Ayin, gathering its chaotic energies and giving them coherent form as the Infinite. Ein Sof has three essential faces: gathering, radiating, and managing. It draws from Ayin’s chaos, generates Ohr Ein Sof—the Infinite Light—and oversees the infinite emanation. Ohr Ein Sof flows endlessly, filling an infinite metaphysical ocean containing innumerable “bubble worlds,” each formed through divine concealment known as Tzimtzum (צמצום).
Tzimtzum is the divine contraction. It is not a physical withdrawal but a concealment that allows space for finite realities. It creates Makom Panui (מָקוֹם פָּנוּי), a vacated space, a hollow within the boundless ocean of Ein Sof. Within this space, the Reshimu (רְשִׁימוּ), a subtle divine imprint, remains, ensuring creation remains connected to its source.
At the center of Makom Panui appears the Nekudah (נְקוּדָּה), the primordial singularity or point, gematria 165. It serves as the embryonic seed of all reality. From this Nekudah, divine energy expands uniformly outward in a process called Hitpashtut (הִתְפַּשְׁטוּת), creating a spherical metaphysical container called Igul (עִיגּוּל). Igul symbolizes equilibrium, potentiality, and undifferentiated unity, preparing the space for structured forms of existence.
Surrounding the Igul is Olam HaMalbush (עוֹלָם הַמַּלְבּוּשׁ), the Garment World, a spiritual boundary that protects and moderates the intensity of divine illumination from Ein Sof, making it accessible yet sustainable for creation.
Into the center of Makom Panui, after the initial expansion, enters the Kav (קו), a thin, precise ray of divine light. Unlike the limitless Ohr Ein Sof, the Kav is measured and intentional. It penetrates the void to form the spiritual axis of all worlds. The Kav does not abolish the concealment; instead, it sanctifies it, structuring reality into an ordered chain of worlds called Seder Hishtalshelut (סֵדֶר הִשְׁתַלְשְׁלוּת), the Chain of Emanation.
The Kav first manifests fully within Adam Kadmon (אָדָם קַדְמוֹן), the Primordial Man, the archetypal blueprint of creation. Adam Kadmon, though not a literal person, embodies the totality of creation’s potential. Within Adam Kadmon, the ten Sefirot (סְפִירוֹת), the divine attributes, appear arranged as a cosmic body (Tzurat HaAdam, צוּרַת הָאָדָם). Keter forms the crown, Chochmah and Binah the mind, Tiferet the heart, and Malkhut the manifestation channel. Adam Kadmon encapsulates the entirety of creation’s blueprint.
Descending further, divine emanation passes through four progressively structured realms: Atzilut (אֲצִילוּת, Emanation), pure divine consciousness; Beriah (בְּרִיאָה, Creation), intellectual and spiritual forms; Yetzirah (יְצִירָה, Formation), emotional and energetic patterns; and finally Assiyah (עֲשִׂיָּה, Action), our physical universe. Each realm filters divine light, progressively dimming and structuring it to enable finite existence. This hierarchical structure gradually transforms divine potential into tangible realities.
Within these structured realities, the divine name Yahweh (יְהֹוָה) emerges as a veil inside the sefirotic structure. It bridges the Ein Sof and finite existence, making divinity present yet hidden. At the lowest level, humanity stands as the final veil, simultaneously concealing and revealing divine essence. This profound truth underlies humanity’s designation as sons and daughters of God, carrying within themselves this concealed divine light. Humanity uniquely possesses the potential to consciously reconnect creation back to its source.
Ultimately, this cosmic structure from Atzmut through Ayin, Ein Sof, Tzimtzum, Kav, Adam Kadmon, and down through the worlds serves a profound spiritual purpose. It allows finite beings to engage in Shefa (שֶׁפַע), divine flow generated by conscious acts, prayer, mitzvot, and spiritual intention. This flow enables humanity to elevate divine sparks (Nitzotzot, נִיצוֹצוֹת) trapped within materiality, reuniting them with their source. Creation thus unfolds as a reciprocal journey, from absolute singularity into complex multiplicity and back again, culminating in enriched unity and returning ultimately to God.
