RE:>> * My understanding is that Judaism wasn't formed until after the collapse of Jerusalem in 70 AD. *
I’m with Richard on this one, as well as his suggestion that the historical evidence supporting the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and receiving the law from God through Moses wherein the he tribe of Juda(Jew) being placed as the priests with the Mosaic law was the beginning of Judaism, which was to follow the law.


RE:>> * At the time of Jesus there were different religions of the Jewish people, which included the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Nazrenes, Qumran community, and probably others that we know little or nothing about. *
While I am not real familiar with each of the names mentioned, except the first two, but these were different sects, as opposed to different religions. Such as the followers of Christ have fallen prey to the same dividing practices of Judaism in their denominational separation into Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, etc.


RE:>> * Perhaps Jesus wasn't interested in starting a religion, but I personally think that is unlikely. *
Jesus interest was the same as His Father’s. And it was not to start a religion, but to bring life.

RE:>> * it would appear that Jesus taught to bear the suffering that came from all areas (e.g., Roman rule, taxes, poverty, etc). *
Yes, bear under suffering, but with added teaching to overcome evil with good.
( i.e., work to improve government, and to reduce poverty, etc. )

God bless your search for truth.