Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease loaf pan.
Pour the hot water over the dates and let stand until cooled.
Sift the flour and baking soda together add the sugar and salt. Stir in the cooled dates and water. Add the melted butter, beaten egg vanilla and walnuts. Mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick insert near the center comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan and let cool on a wire rack.
