The journey of life involves a constant clash  between intellect and emotion. Some would say that inner peace can only be achieved through a harmony between the two, aligning the mind and heart.

Even deeper than emotions felt, lies intuition. An instinctual punch solely based on a gut feeling inside, without any clear explanation or reason.

But often, we trust it.

So when it comes to relationships, an area of life super-governed by emotion, what’s the balance?

And in reality, does intuition hold meaning?

In Judaism, intuition isn’t fiction. It plays a vital role. So much so, that it’s actually assigned to a corporeal  organ- the kidneys.

the kidneys are seen as one of the most important organs, most closely associated with emotion after the heart, but in a deeper, more subconscious way. The heart understands but the kidneys are known as “advisors.” The kidneys are positioned in the midsection of the body- the guts area and subsequently where those intuitive, “gut feelings” arise, letting us know when something feels so right or totally off.

In Kabbalah, the kidneys are a connecting link from parent to offspring. subconscious emotions, both healed and unhealed are passed down through this organ to the child to build on and improve. Spiritually, these “advisory guts” (kidneys) hold emotional influence but can also hold traumas or brokenness. since the emotional transfer passed down is never filtered through a rational thought process, it is never resolved or repaired. so, these instinctual emotions do carry weight and meaning, however they require refining.

So then what does this mean for romantic relationships, where often we rely on something “feeling” right or wrong?

Ultimately, intuition is an advisory force, but not a deciding one. In Judaism, though hoardes of feelings and sixth senses can push us in a certain direction, we rely on intellect to take the walking steps. Intuition and  hunches must be acknowledged because they hold emotional roots that can very well mean something. But they can’t stand on their own. Only if followed by a process of rational and logical thought can they actually determine anything.

That’s the role of an advisor. To alert you to something and then allow you to explore and make a final decision. So when it comes to dating, relationships, and marriage- take your inner compass into account. But ultimately, intuition alone cannot dictate reality without a cold, hard dose of objective logic.