In a saucepan combine figs, sugar, water and lemon juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thick and jam like. Cool. In a bowl, combine shortening, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour, soda and salt. Turn dough out onto a heavily floured surface and knead a few times to make a smooth ball. With a floured rolling pin roll dough out to a 14 x 12-inch rectangle. Cut dough with a knife into 4 strips, 3 1/2 inches wide and 12 inches long. Spoon filling in a mound down the center of each strip. Using a spatula, turn in sides of each strip to enclose the filling.

Press edges together and turn strip seam side down. With a sharp knife cut each strip into 10 pieces. Place on greased baking sheets and bake at 375 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes, or until fig newtons are puffed and firm to the touch. Cool on a rack and store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Makes 40.