At the time of Jesus there was no singular “Judaism” like in the Old Testament. Their were many competing sects, such as the Pharisees (the modern rabbinical schools is descended from them) , Sadducees, Samaritans, Zealots (which would be closer to the Zionists of today, militarily minded) etc.
When Christ came on the seen, He revealed the Truth and likewise Himself, hence Peter’s confession of faith, that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, etc and likewise the Apostles and others were originally called “The Way” before being called “Christians”.
The Pharisees reacted to this by doubling down, and creating the Masoretic text and Talmud in later centuries, and especially with the destruction of the temple, which Christ prophesied to them beforehand, they were proven wrong, and likewise Christ/Christianity conquered Rome, without raising a sword (by the blood of the martyrs).
Which the pharisaical Jews could not, and do not, accept.
The only correct group is the Patriarchate of Jerusalem – the Eastern Orthodox group that oversees that region. Christ is the Messiah, the fulfillment of the Promise, as is His Church, for His Church is also His Body on earth – as each member is united to Him through the Holy Mysteries/Sacraments, and kept that way through continued participation therein.
“The Way”, as it was called, before being called “Christianity” in Antioch, is the correct “Jewish” path.
Rabbinic Judaism refers to the form of Judaism that developed after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and is characterized by the central role of rabbis in interpreting and applying Jewish law (halakha), as well as the emergence of the Talmud as a central text of Jewish learning and practice. There are several key differences between Rabbinic Judaism and earlier forms of Judaism, as well as differences between Rabbinic Judaism and the Judaism that existed around the time of Jesus:
Transition from Temple-Centric to Synagogue-Centric Worship: Before the destruction of the Second Temple, Jewish religious life was centered around the Temple in Jerusalem, where sacrifices were offered and festivals celebrated. With the Temple’s destruction, Rabbinic Judaism shifted its focus to synagogue worship and study of the Torah. This transition marked a significant change in Jewish religious practice and identity.
Role of Rabbis and Oral Law: In Rabbinic Judaism, rabbis assumed greater authority in interpreting and applying Jewish law, known as halakha. They codified oral traditions and legal rulings into written form, culminating in the Mishnah and later the Talmud. This emphasis on the oral law, alongside the written Torah, distinguishes Rabbinic Judaism from earlier forms of Judaism.
Development of Rabbinic Literature: Rabbinic Judaism produced a rich body of literature, including legal codes, commentaries, and theological works. The Mishnah, Talmud, Midrash, and responsa literature became central to Jewish learning and scholarship, shaping Jewish beliefs, practices, and communal life.
Diversity and Diaspora Influence: Rabbinic Judaism emerged in a diverse cultural and geographical context, shaped by interactions with Hellenistic, Roman, and other cultural influences. Jewish communities in the Diaspora (outside of the land of Israel) played a significant role in shaping Rabbinic Judaism, leading to variations in customs, practices, and interpretations of Jewish law.
Regarding the differences between Rabbinic Jews and Jews around the time of Jesus:
Rabbinic Judaism developed after the destruction of the Second Temple, while Jesus lived during the Second Temple period.
Rabbinic Judaism is characterized by the central role of rabbis in interpreting Jewish law, whereas the Judaism around the time of Jesus included various religious groups, such as Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and others, each with its own interpretations and practices.
Rabbinic Judaism is marked by the codification of oral traditions into written form, including the Mishnah and Talmud, which were not fully developed during Jesus’ time.
The emergence of Rabbinic Judaism represents a response to the challenges faced by the Jewish community after the destruction of the Temple, including the need to preserve Jewish identity, maintain religious continuity, and adapt to changing social and political circumstances