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 30 cm rectangle. Cut dough with a knife into 4 strips, 9 cm wide and 30 cm 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 190ºC or 10 dozen 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.