the people had to grow a lot of their own food in the 1840's. remember that there were no microwaves or ovens, so all of their food had to be cooked over a fire or in a wood burning stove
Jewish dietary laws regulate almost every aspect of food, but there is not much regulation about how the food has to be cooked. If the ingredients and utensils are kosher and there is no mixing of...
The only method readily available was through the use of mail systems. Those that could not write might pay someone to write a letter for them. Telegraphs were just becoming available, but they were...