SJSinNYC, as a provider for a large family,I can relate well to your comment”I need to first worry about my family”, however I believe that the writer was making an effort to do precisely that, Worrying about the family.
You raised a very good point “If I shop at the Jewish-owned store purely because he is Jewish, can I use maaser money on the difference? After all, me shopping there is PURELY for charity reasons.” I am not a rov but I would dare to guess that you might find that you can do just that if you would ask your Rov. But the other point that you are shopping there “Purely for charity reasons” take a pen and paper and workout the numbers of what a deed like that is worth towards the taking came of our family. You might be surprised at the bargain your getting, especially if you make it a point of telling the kids what you are doing, it’s valueless.
As the author eloquently stated ” At a time that we are seeing so much suffering, let us be Mikabel this wonderful concept and as Mitzva Goreres Mitzva (one Mitzva brings another Mitzvah) we will create an abundance of much needed zchusim for Klal Yisroel.”
what is the value of a collective zchus that is done with the goal of helping Hashems nation?
I for one am In!