Although we seem to have no control over the essence of the soul, we do have some measure of supervision over the mind.
This makes it possible for us to unite with the Divine on His terms.
We penetrate the barrier that separates us.
We can be united in spite of the extreme difference between us because Torah is that narrow point of contact, just as two liquids can combine if there is even the slightest merging.
The "Mind" of God is made available to the human mind.
A higher soul union beyond the mental becomes possible, even if (as we have indicated) mind and soul are not identical.
To be sure, there can be intellectual understanding without mystical union.
Study of Torah does not in itself guarantee anything; one may not even be sure to use Torah to learn what to do.
But as a way of connecting with God, it is a point of contact, a powerful union with a current of infinite force.
How one reacts is different for each person.
–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
From “The Way of the Soul and Torah,“ in The Candle of God by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz