The Jews were a proud and isolated people, with a strong sense of their own identity and destiny. They believed themselves to be the chosen people of God, set apart for a special purpose and destined to play a unique role in the history of the world. This belief was rooted in their interpretation of the Bible, which they saw as a divine revelation of their origins, history, and destiny.

The Jews were also characterized by a strong sense of tradition and ritual. They believed that their religion was not just a matter of personal faith, but a complex system of rules and practices that had been handed down from generation to generation. These practices included the observance of various festivals and holidays, the use of specific dietary laws, and the performance of elaborate religious ceremonies in the synagogue or temple.

At the time of Christ's birth, the Jews were experiencing a period of political and social turmoil. The Maccabean Revolt had recently taken place, and the Jews were struggling to maintain their independence and cultural identity in the face of external threats from neighboring nations. This led to a growing sense of nationalism and exclusivity among the Jews, which was reflected in their religious practices and beliefs.

The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect during this time, known for their strict adherence to traditional practice and their rejection of innovations or changes in the law. They believed that the law was divinely given and must be observed without compromise or deviation. This led to a complex system of rules and regulations that governed every aspect of Jewish life, from dietary laws to religious ceremonies.

The Sadducees were another Jewish sect that existed at this time, known for their rejection of the supernatural and their emphasis on strict compliance with the written law. They believed in a literal interpretation of the Bible and rejected many of the oral traditions and interpretations that had developed among the Pharisees.

The Essenes were a sect of ascetic mystics who lived in isolation and practiced a rigorous form of self-denial. They believed in the power of prayer and fasting to achieve spiritual purity, and they observed a strict code of conduct that included abstinence from worldly pleasures and the rejection of all forms of idolatry.

The Nazarites were a group of devout Jews who took vows of abstinence and sacrifice in order to serve God more fully. They believed in the power of prayer and fasting to achieve spiritual purity, and they observed a strict code of conduct that included abstinence from worldly pleasures and the rejection of all forms of idolatry.

The Herodians were a political party that supported the plans of the Herods, who were Roman-appointed rulers of Judea. They believed that through this dynasty alone could the status of the Jewish people be maintained and a reestablishment of the nation be secured.

Finally, the Galileans were a group of Jews from the region of Galilee, who were known for their simplicity and devotion to the law. They were opposed to innovations but were generally more liberal than some of the professedly devout Judeans. They were prominent as able defenders in the wars of the people and won for themselves a reputation for bravery and patriotism.

In conclusion, the world was characterized by a strong sense of tradition and ritual among the Jews at the time of Christ's birth. The Pharisees and Sadducees represented two prominent Jewish sects that existed during this time, each with their own beliefs and practices. The Essenes, Nazarites, Herodians, and Galileans were other groups that existed at this time, each with their own distinctive characteristics and beliefs. Overall, the Jews were a proud and isolated people, characterized by a strong sense of tradition and ritual, and a deep conviction of their unique destiny and purpose in the world.