MISHNAH. FOR THREE SINS WOMEN DIE IN CHILDBIRTH: BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT OBSERVANT OF [THE LAWS OF] NIDDAH, HALLAH, AND THE KINDLING OF THE [SABBATH] LIGHTS.
Such a painful Mishnah to read, and the commentary that follows is no better. Traditionally women were only responsible for three commandments: separation during menstration, separation of a small amount of challah dough before baking, and separation of the week into Shabbat. The idea that the lack of observance leads to death in childbirth of course gets turned backwards into blame - a tragedy means the person must have sinned. That kind of automatic reward and punishment model cannot stand.
The model is not limited to women, as the commentary continues. It just is less guaranteed. The idea is that dangerous times/places, like childbirth, is where punishment is meted. For men, according to the commentary, it can be going over bridges! (A dangerous prospect in the ancient world, perhaps because of poor maintainence and brigands).
One should also be careful not to take undue risks - even if one feels under Divine protection:
"A man should never stand in a place of danger and say that a miracle will be wrought for him, lest it is not."
So far, good practical advice. But, it continues:
"And if a miracle is wrought for him, it is deducted from his merits."
It seems like a bank account of good deeds which get translated into miracles. Don't spend it all in one place!
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