G-d-Without-End contracted and sent a ray of Light into the empty space to initiate creation. Ten vessels were to catch the ray, but they were unable to contain the Light and the seven lower vessels shattered.

In order to make space for creation, the omnipresent G-d (Hebrew Ain Sof, literally: “without end” or “infinite”) contracted. In the empty space that resulted, G-d sent a ray of light that was to initiate the act of creation. Ten vessels symbolizing the harmony of the universe were to catch the ray. However, they were unable to contain the powerful current of light and the seven lower vessels shattered.