The age-old tension between rational inquiry and religious authority crystallizes in Judaism's complex relationship with ta'amei ha-mitzvot - the search for reasons behind divine commandments. Through analysis of classical rabbinic texts, medieval commentaries, and modern philosophical approaches, a clear pattern emerges: while religious thinkers from Maimonides to Ibn Ezra endorsed rational investigation of mitzvot, they maintained that even incomprehensible commandments retain full divine authority. Drawing on Ahad Ha'am's theory of evolving religious terminology, this study reveals two distinct channels of human engagement with mitzvot: the halakhic process of determining practical fulfillment and the philosophical exploration of divine intentions. Comparative analysis of traditional Jewish texts demonstrates that seeking meaning in mitzvot offers vital educational and spiritual benefits, yet risks undermining their essential heteronomous nature. The research establishes that such intellectual pursuit must accompany - rather than precede - religious observance, as the very concept of mitzvah requires recognition of divine commandedness. These insights carry significant implications for Contemporary Conservative Jewish education and practice, particularly in balancing intellectual inquiry with religious obligation.