Sefer Etz Chaim and Tanya

Both texts accept that tzimtzum creates a chalal (empty space) and discuss the kav (line) within it. Text 1 emphasizes that vessels themselves emerge only from the World of Nequdim onward, and what we call 'vessels' in Adam Kadmon refers to the light and essence within them, not actual containers—vessels in AK are 'pure light' (אור זך בתכלית הזכות). Text 2 describes the kav as the contracted Ein-Sof light clothed in soul-levels, functioning as a boundary (גבול) through tzimtzum, similar to the vessels of the ten sefirot of Atziluth. Text 2 presents the kav-as-boundary framework more straightforwardly, while Text 1 insists on a distinction between true vessels (from Nequdim) and the transcendent light-essence of Adam Kadmon, cautioning against confusion (ואל תטעה חלילה). The disagreement concerns how to understand the ontological status and nature of vessels/boundaries in Adam Kadmon.