Religions and Mysticism

Religions and Mysticism

A Reflection on the Concepts of Tsimtsum, Shevirat ha-Kelim, and Tikkun in Lurianic Kabbalah and Their Manifestation in the Ethical–Mystical Thought of Moses Ḥayim Luzzatto.

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
mohammad reza Ejlali Khalaf 1
Mojtaba Zarvani 2
1 PhD Student, Department of Comparative Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Comparative Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22059/jrm.2025.398435.630635
Abstract
This study offers a focused examination of how Moses Ḥayim Luzzatto (1707–1746) reinterprets three foundational doctrines of Lurianic Kabbalah—tsimtsum (divine contraction), shevirat ha-kelim (breaking of the vessels), and tikkun (cosmic restoration)—within his ethical–mystical system. In classical Lurianic cosmology, creation begins with the withdrawal of divine light and the subsequent shattering of primordial vessels, which scatter divine sparks throughout the cosmos. Humanity’s sacred task is to recover and elevate these sparks to restore cosmic harmony. Yet the precise degree of human participation remains ambiguous within the original Lurianic framework.
Luzzatto’s major innovation lies in transforming the human being from a passive element in the divine drama into an active partner in the work of cosmic repair. Drawing on works such as Derekh Hashem, Mesilat Yesharim, and 138 Openings of Wisdom, he systematises Lurianic metaphysics into a rational-ethical structure in which every human action—fulfilling commandments, engaging in prayer, studying Torah, and cultivating moral character—becomes a metaphysical act that advances tikkun.
In his conception, tikkun is both a cosmological process and an ethical obligation that shapes individual spiritual growth, collective moral development, and the historical unfolding of redemption. Through this synthesis of ethical praxis and cosmic myth, Luzzatto offers a coherent and dynamic model of mystical thought. His reinterpretation redefines Kabbalistic tradition and significantly influences later Jewish movements, including Hasidism and the Mussar movement.
Keywords
A Reflection on the Concepts of Tzimtzum
Shevirat HaKelim
and Tikkun in Lurianic Kabbalah and Their Ethical-Mystical Resonance in the Thought of Chaim Luzzatto"
Subjects
Anterman, Allen. (2017). Jewish Beliefs and Rituals. Translated by Reza Farzin. University of Religions and Denominations Press. (in Persian).
Hayyim, Soleiman. (1965). Hebrew-Persian Dictionary. No place of publication. (in Persian).
Scholem, Gershom. (2021). Major Trends and Schools in Jewish Mysticism. Translated by Alireza Fahim. University of Religions and Denominations Press. (in Persian).
Luzzatto, Moshe Chaim. 2008. Derekh Hashem (The Way of God). HaFatzah HaMesorah, Jerusalem. In Hebrew.
Luzzatto, Moshe Chaim. 2006. Mesillat Yesharim (The Path of the Just). HaFatzah HaMesorah, Jerusalem. In Hebrew.
Luzzatto, Moshe Chaim. 1992. Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah (138 Openings of Wisdom). No publisher listed, Bnei Brak. in Hebrew.
Luzzatto, Moshe Chaim. 1997. Da’at Tevunot (Knowing the Reasons / The Knowing Heart). HaFatzah HaMesorah, Jerusalem. In Hebrew.
Bideman,Yirmeyahu. (1995). Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto: His Life and Works, New Jersey, Jason Aronson Inc.
Dad, Joseph. (2003). Kabbalah, A Very Short Introduction, New York: Oxford University Press.
Dan, Joseph. (2008). Messianic Mysticism Moses Hayim Luzzatto and the Padua School. Portland, Littman Library of Jewish Civilisation.
Fine, Lawrence. (2003) , Physician of the Soul, Healer of the Cosmos, California, Stanford University Press.
Hortitz, Noah. (2012) , Reality in the Name of God, New York, Punctum Books, Brooklyn.
Idel, Moshe. (1995). Hasidism: Between Ecstasy and Magic. Albany, State University of New York Press
Judaica Encyclopedia (2007). V1-27, Jerusalem, MacMillan USA& Keter Publishing House.
Matt, Danel C. (1998) , The Essential Kabbalah, Quality, New York, USA, Paperback Book Club.
Menes, Abraham. (1947-1948). The Ethical Teachings of Moses Hayim Luzzatto, Proceedings of the American Academy for Jewish Research.
Scholem, Gershom. (1974) , Kabbalah. Jerusalem, Keter Publishing House,
Scholem, Gershom. (1974). Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism, New York, Jerusalem Schocken Books Inc.
Schulte, Christoph, (2023) Zimzum, Translated by Corey Twitchell, USA, University of Pennsylvania Press.
Sclar, D. (2014). Like Iron to a Magnet: Moses Hayim Luzzatto's Quest for Providence.
Shaul, Magid (2008). From Metaphysics to Midrash, USA, Indiana University Press.
Tishby, Isaiah. (2008). Messianic Mysticism-Moses Hayim Luzzatto and the Padua School. Portland, Littman Library of Jewish Civilisation.
Tishby, Isaiah. (1994). Moshe Hayyim Luzzatto's Attitude Toward the Ari in «Thought and Literature, V. II: Jewish Thought, Kabbalah and Hasidism.
Guetta, Alessandro, (2014) Kabbalah and Rationalism in the Works of Mosheh Hayyim Luzzatto, in «Italian Jewry in the Early Modern Era: Essays in Intellectual History, Academic Studies Press.
Religions and Mysticism
Volume 59, Issue 1
(Spring & Summer 2026)
September 2026
Pages 5-27