What was in the envelope that Jake almost gave to Robbie?

A reader sent to me -- at MikeSylwester@gmail.com -- the following e-mail:

Watched Dirty Dancing last night for the 15th time.

My girlfriend and I are having a discussion as to what was in the envelope that Dr. Houseman handed to Robbie wishing him luck in medical school and than grabbing it back when he found out that Robbie was the one that got Penny in trouble.

I suppose that many people have wondered what was in that envelope.

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While the talent-show participants are singing Kellerman's Anthem on the stage, Jake Houseman notices Robbie Gould walking through the room. Jake catches up to Robbie and hands him an envelope.

Jake handing an envelope to Robbie

They say:

Jake Houseman
Good luck in medical school, son.

Robbie Gould
And I wanted to thank you for your help with the Penny situation. I guess we've all gotten into messes.

Jake Houseman
What?

Robbie Gould
I thought Baby told you.

Jake Houseman
Look, I'm not sure ...

Robbie Gould
Penny said so, but you know with girls like that. They're liable to pin it on any guy around.

Jake grabs the envelope from Robbie's hand and returns to his seat.

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The July 1986 script explains much better that Jake gave Robbie an envelope containing cash, in order to help Robbie pay his expenses at medical school.

Jake comes up to Robbie .... hands him a thick envelope, clasps him warmly on the shoulder. Robbie holds up the envelope with pleasure.

Jake Houseman
Good luck, son. A little something extra for next year at medical school. I remember what a struggle it was to buy every second-hand textbook.

Robbie Gould
Thank you, sir. Actually, this is gonna take me over the top for the stereo for my new Alfa Romeo.

Jake looks a little bemused, but continues smiling.

Jake Houseman
Things didn't work out the way I would have liked for this vacation, but that's not your fault. You're a good boy, Robbie, and if I can ever help you in any way --

Robbie Gould
Well, I do thank you, sir, for your help with the Penny situation. I'm really grateful to you for htat. I guess we've all gotten into these situations.

Reaction shot -- Jake. He moves from bewilderment to dawning comprehension.

Jake Houseman
What situations? Were you? Then, you were the one?

Robbie Gould
I thought you know. I thought Baby told you.

(Realizing his mistake) Look, I'm not sure. I mean, Penny said so, but but you know, with girls like that -- they'll pin it on any guy around.

Jake pulls the envelope from Robbie's pocket, takes out a wad of cash, tears the envelope as if he were tearing Robbie's throat. Stuffs the money in his pocket.

Jake
Go suck your stereo.

This dialogue is in Scene 130, which begins near the bottom of the first page, below. (Click on the images to enlarge them.)

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The situation comprises the following elements:

* Because Jake Houseman is a doctor, Max Kellerman assigns a medical student, Robbie Gould, to serve the Houseman family during the entire three weeks of the Houseman's vacation.

* The Houseman family always sit at a table served by Robbie, and Jake tips Robbie normally at the end of every meal.

* Jake, Max and Robbie all understand that -- if Robbie serves the Houseman family well -- Jake will give Robbie an extra, generous tip at the end of the vacation.

* Jake intends this extra tip to help Robbie pay expenses at medical school.

Because, however, Jake figures out that Robbie got Penny pregnant, Jake rescinds this intended extra tip at the end of the vacation.

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Jake's extra tip to Robbie was an example of the Jewish charitable practice called Tzedakah, which Wikipedia describes as follows (emphasis added):

In practice, most Jews carry out tzedakah by donating a portion of their income to charitable institutions, or to needy people that they may encounter; the perception among many modern-day Jews is that if donation of this form is not possible, the obligation of tzedakah still requires that something be given. Traditional Jews commonly practice ... tithing 10% of their income to support those in need.

Special acts of tzedakah are performed on significant days; at weddings ... at Passover ... at Purim ...

In addition, one must be very careful about how one gives out tzedakah money. It is not sufficient to just give to anyone or any organization, rather, one must check the credentials and finances to be sure that your tzedakah money will be used wisely, efficiently and effectively  ....

It is taught that tzedakah money was never yours to begin with; rather, it always belongs to God, who merely entrusts you with it so that you may use it properly. Hence it is your obligation to ensure that it is received by those deserving of it. ....

Jake took back his tzedakah tip because he realized that Robbie's misconduct with Penny made him unworthy. In the July 2016 script, Robbie also indicated that he intended to waste the money on a car stereo.

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An article titled Tzedakah And Jewish Education praises tzedakah gifts to promote education, especially the education of fellow Jews. The article includes the following story.

A tale from the Talmud: The wealthy Rabbi Tarfon once asked Rabbi Akiva to help him invest his money. Rabbi Akiva took the funds and used it instead to allow poor students to continue their Jewish education.

Several days later, when Rabbi Tarfon asked to see his investments, Rabbi Akiva took him to the school and showed him the students as they recited their lessons from the Bible. When they arrived at the verse, “He gives freely to the poor; his righteousness endures forever,” Rabbi Akiva pointed to the students and said, “This is the investment I made for you!”

There is no greater investment than in supporting places of Jewish learning — our day schools, synagogues, and seminaries. If there is to be a Jewish community tomorrow, it will be as a result of the hardworking Jewish educators – rabbis, cantors, teachers, principals, and others – who provide a sense of Jewish identity, piety, and involvement both for children and for adults.

Without Jewish education, we cannot survive. And, as today’s Torah verse indicates, the responsibility to support Jewish education rests on each one of us. Rich and poor, together we must assure Jewish survival with our shekels, our involvement, and our hearts.

Jake perceives his contribution to the medical education of Robbie, a fellow Jew, to be a valid tzedakah gift. Since Jake himself had been a struggling medical student in his own past, the gift had special meaning for himself.

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My article about Robbie's clothing style.