3b. Afterwards, we recite "Ashrei", omit "Lam'natzeach" and recite "UVo le'Tzion go'el." In that passage, we omit the verse, "Va'ani zos brisi..." ("And as for Me, this is My covenant..."), since it appears that one is establishing a covenant for saying "kinnos" ("dirges"). Furthermore, it is inappropriate to recite that verse because it relates how the words of Torah "will not depart from your mouth," and on Tish'ah B'av, we are forbbidden to study Torah (1). This verse is, however, recited in a mourner's house during the remainder of the year, for although the mourner is forbidden to study Torah, those who come to comfort him are not.

Therefore, we proceed to the verse "V'Attoh kadosh" [and complete the remainder of the passage in the usual manner]. Then the full Kaddish is recited, without the passage "Tiskabel" (2). Then "Oleinu" and the mourner's Kaddish are recited. The "Song of Unity" ("Shir HaYichud"), "Psalm of the Day" ("Shir shel Yom"), and the description of the incense service are not recited [in the morning service, as is the usual custom. Rather, they are recited before the afternoon service.]

[Although] "Eichah" ("Lamentations") [is not read communally during the day] it is proper that it be read by every individual.

FOOTNOTES:

(1) Torah learning generally engenders a state of joy, and therefore, on Tish'ah B'av, one is only allowed to learn those sections of the Torah which are appropriate to a time of mourning, such as those that deal with tragedy and destruction; for example, one may study the book of Job, and the sections of the Tanach and Talmud discussing the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). One may also learn the laws of mourning.

(2) This is because the passage "Tiskabel" is a request that G-d accept our prayers, and "Eichah" [3:8] states: "He shuts out my prayer."

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