Preheat oven to 350. Grease 8x4x2 loaf pan.

Put the dates, walnuts, baking soda, salt, and shortening in a bowl.  Pour the boiling water over and stir.  Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes.

Using a fork, beat the egg and sugar together in bowl.  

Add the flour and stir (this will be too stiff to mix well). 

Add the date mixture and mix briskly until the batter is well blended. 

Spoon into pan and bake for about 1 hour until a straw comes out clean when inserted into center. 

Remove and cool on rack.