Like a father speaking to a small child

Explaining how the Infinite could create a limited world, the Maggid used an image every parent knows. A wise father who wants to teach his young son does not lecture at his own level; he lovingly narrows his thoughts and speaks in simple words the child can grasp. In the same way, Hashem 'contracted' His infinite light out of love, so that creatures could exist and relate to Him. The tzimtzum is not distance – it is the act of a Father bending down to His children.