The Pharisees were a religious group in ancient Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and oral traditions. They believed in the importance of both written and oral laws, which guided their daily lives and religious practices. The Pharisees emphasized personal piety and the interpretation of the scriptures, making them influential in Jewish society. During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees often clashed with him over interpretations of the law and religious practices. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they are portrayed as legalistic and hypocritical. Despite this, they played a significant role in the development of Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple.