To understand it, we need to delve into some complex ideas about light, vessels, and a mysterious "partition."

Let's start with this partition. Think of it as a veil or a screen that interacts with the divine light. The Sulam Commentary tells us that the primary role of this partition is to fuse with the supernal light. It’s not a gentle merging, mind you, but a "fusion through collision." Imagine sparks flying! This collision gives rise to what's called the "returning light." This returning light then enclothes the supernal light.

Now, the height – or perhaps we could say the level – of the new partzuf (divine persona or configuration) that emerges will be directly related to how much the supernal light is enclothed. This idea is elaborated on in the Petiḥa LeḤokhmat HaKabbala (Introduction to the Wisdom of Kabbalah), specifically section 21. So, the higher the returning light, the "taller" the new partzuf. It's all interconnected.

But here's where the story takes a dramatic turn. After the partition has brought forth all these partzufim and levels in the world of Nekudim – points or primordial lights – something goes wrong. They don't endure. They are broken. This is the famous, or perhaps infamous, "breaking of the vessels of Nekudim." It’s a complex process, one we won't fully unpack here, but it's crucial to understand that this breaking isn't an end, but a necessary prelude.

Following this shattering, the partition undergoes a purification. According to the Sulam Commentary, this purification happens "through the beating of the surrounding light against the inner light." It's a refining process, a stripping away of imperfections. And where does this purified partition go? It returns to the head of Sag, one of the partzufim. You can find more on this in Talmud Eser Sefirot, part 8, sections 2 and 4.

Now, here’s the really fascinating part. Even though the Nekudim were broken, they leave remnants behind in the partition. The Sulam Commentary specifies that these remnants are "remnants of opacity." Think of it like a stain or a shadow. And when that partition is incorporated back into the fusion in the head of Sag, these remnants are renewed within it.

And what does this renewal of remnants give rise to? New releases of returning light! And this returning light, born from brokenness and purified remnants, is what creates the partzufim of Atzilut, the world of emanation.

So, what does all this mean? It suggests that even in shattering and loss, there is potential for renewal and creation. The imperfections, the remnants of the broken vessels, become the very seeds from which a new, more stable world can emerge. It’s a powerful metaphor for life itself, isn't it? The cracks, the scars, the things we try to hide—they can actually be the source of our greatest strength and creativity. They can be the foundation upon which we build something truly lasting.