• The study of Torah is prohibited on Tisha B’Av because Torah
brings joy to those who study it. One may study Iyov, Eicha
and the somber portions of Yirmiyahu (Ta’anit 30a).
• It is also permissible to study the laws of mourning (Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 554:2).
• When studying the appropriate portions, one may also study
the commentaries (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 554:2) but
one should focus on the simple meaning of the text, not the
analysis (Mishna Berurah 554:4).
• One may read the portions in the siddur that are recited on a
daily basis, such as the sections about the korbanot (Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 554:4).