In this shiur we ask the question: who was Yishmael? Through a close reading of the pesukim, we learn about that which for which he seems to be pre-destined, his actions in youth, and what he was at the end of Avraham's life. Why do Chazal seem to give him such a bad reputation, when there is little to support it in the pesukim? Why was Sarah so upset upon seeing Yishmael "metzachek?" And why does Rashi provide contradictory views regarding Yishmael's moral character? Part of a series entitled "Personalities in Sefer Bereishit", give at the Young Israel of West Roger's Park, Chicago.